Returning to the subject of detail and how the close view often enhances the viewer's (and juror's) appreciation of a piece of art, I present another exhibit for the defense, seen at Form, Not Function, which was on display until about a week ago at the Carnegie Center for Art and History in New Albany IN.
Take a gander at this work from across the room.
Brooke Atherton, They Melt Like Mist, the Solid Lands
Step closer and you see a pale composition, like a mountainous landscape but with indeterminate rectangular shapes in the background -- buildings? billboards?
You have to get a bit closer to see that the misty, sheer seafoam green mountains are actually an old blouse, its decrepit sleeves, placket, buttonholes and pockets overlaid by lots of tiny hand stitching and attached bits of fabric.
I don't know what the message is -- perhaps the former inhabitant of the blouse is casting her misty shadow across the landscape of the artist's life -- but I'm drawn into the drama by the subtle details, and stood in front of the quilt for a long time looking at the tears and shreds in the fabric, the intricate stitching and the little bits of stuff sewed on.
This is a piece that grows on you; the more you see, the more you get.
I saw this piece as an abandoned island in the Bering Sea. Have no idea if this was the artist's intent but it sure spoke to me.
ReplyDeleteMarti Plager