One of the more recent developments in the art world is a focus on "materials". For example, Concordia University here in Montreal awards a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in "Fibres and Material Practices".
 |
| Tara Donovan, Untitled, 2014 styrene index cards, metal, wood, paint and glue |
While visiting Washington DC last month, we had the good fortune to drop by the newly-renovated Renwick Gallery. The building dates back to 1859, and is the first building in America to be designed specifically to be an art museum. It is now home to the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection of contemporary craft and decorative art.
 |
| Patrick Doherty, Shindig, 2015 willow osiers and saplings |
"The nine artists are connected by their interest in creating large-scale installations from unexpected materials like thread, tires, marbles, and blocks of wood - commonplace objects that are assembled, massed and juxtaposed to transform the spaces and engage visitors in surprising ways."
 |
| Chakaia Booker, Anonymous Donor, 2015 rubber tires and stainless steel |
 |
| John Grade, Middle Fork (Cascades), 2015 reclaimed old-growth western red cedar |
 |
| John Grade, Middle Fork (Cascades), 2015 (detail) |
"To commemorate the Renwick's re-opening, Grade selected a hemlock tree in the Cascade Mountains east of Seattle that is approximately 150 years old - the same age as this building. His team created a full plaster cast of the tree (without harming it), then used the cast as a mould to build a new tree out of a half-million segments of reclaimed cedar. Hundreds of volunteers assisted Grade, hand-carving each piece to match the contours of the original tree. After the exhibition closes, Middle Fork (Cascades) will be carried back to the hemlock's location and left on the forest floor, where it will gradually return to the earth...."
 |
| Jennifer Angus, In the Midnight Garden, 2015 cochineal, various insects, and mixed media |
 |
| Jennifer Angus, In the Midnight Garden, 2015 (detail) |
 |
| Jennifer Angus, In the Midnight Garden, 2015 (detail) |
"Angus's genius is the embrace of what is wholly natural, if unexpected. Yes, the insects are real, and no, she has not altered them except to position their wings and legs. The species in this gallery are not endangered, but in fact are quite abundant, primarily in Malaysia, Thailand and Papua, New Guinea, a corner of the world where Nature seems to play with greater freedom. The pink wash is derived from the cochineal insect living on cacti in Mexica, where it has long been prized as the best source of the colour red. By altering the context in which we encounter such species, Angus startles us into recognition of what has always been a part of our world."And finally, for fans of actual fibre:
 |
| Gabriel Dawe, Plexus A1, 2015 thread, wood, hooks and steel |
 |
| Gabriel Dawe, Plexus A1, 2015 (detail) |
 |
| Gabriel Dawe, Plexus A1, 2015 (detail) |
"Dawe's architecturally scaled weavings are often mistaken for fleeting rays of light. It is an appropriate trick of the eye, as the artist was inspired to use thread in this fashion by memories of the skies above Mexico City and East Texas, his childhood and current homes, respectively. The material and vivid colours also recall the embroideries everywhere in production during Dawe's upbringing."Wonder is a must-see if you're in the Washington DC area. Or you can always view photos of the show on Google Images.
No comments:
Post a Comment