A Quick Chat with Studio 206!
FINISHED INSTALLATION! STUDIO 206!
Artists: Robert Burch and Carolyn Clayton Materials You Chose:
Black Paper and Blue Balloons
Studio Statement:
The installation we designed mimics the layout of a sewer system. We wanted to show the duality of light and dark, the real vs. surreal and the seen vs. the unseen. The darkness and tunnel like aspect is meant to create a mood of fear and anxiety – a claustrophobic “trapped” feeling similar to that of Rembrant’s “St. Bartholomew” or the uncertainty and violent references in “La Casa Viuda.” We aimed to observe the materials so it wasn’t obvious what they were at first sight, and use our skylights to play with shadow. The piece is interactive and tactile and the audience must use all of their senses in order to get the full experience.
FINISHED INSTALLATION! STUDIO 205!
Artists: Eric Donaldson and Catherine Judge
Materials You Chose: Red and Yellow Crepe Paper Streamers and Burlap Sacks
Material You Were Provided: Gold Plastic and Black and Brown Craft Paper
Studio Statement:
This is not a tree.
This is a light amongst darkness.
This is the darkness enveloping the light.
Before us we have a tree, but what is it truly? It is an illusive temptation. It is perspective, like Georgia O’Keefe who has her “Blue Sky,” we have our Black. Our Black that is so vital, that is in essence, just as important as the “tree” itself. Our piece is like a long novel, but it is up to our audience to figure out this story’s protagonist and antagonist between lightness and darkness.
Is it really about the tree or the black?
This is up to you to decide.
FINISHED INSTALLATION! STUDIO 204!
Artists: Steve Butler and Cat Manolis
Materials You Chose: Electrical Wire and Black Garbage Bags
Material You Were Provided: Baseball Cards and Yellow Craft Paper
Studio Statement:
The confines of our present-day society are stricter than ever, due, in large part, to the increased dependence on technology, and the current economic hardship. We are bound both by a need for hard-drives, and a need for financial aid. In our piece, we wanted to convey the ascension above these restrictions impressed upon us by the societal structure. Similar ideals are expressed in Louise Nevelson’s “Black Garden Wall III” and the 12th century Spanish painting “Ascension of Christ,” both of which served as inspiration for our installation. After studying these pieces we determined which artistic elements and themes related to the overarching idea of ascension. These included the juxtaposition of light and dark, as well as the concepts of liberation and restriction. In terms of media, we were completely immersed in our subject because we were forced to tackle with the confinements impressed upon us by our limited materials. It is important to reflect occasionally, and view the obstacles in our lives that restrict and prevent satisfaction. Then, and only then, may we face them head-on, and eliminate our fears.
FINISHED INSTALLATION! STUDIO 203!
Artists: Andy Fish and Heidi Kayser Materials You Chose: Saran Wrap and Cotton Balls
Material You Were Provided: Fabric Swatches and Plastic Bags Studio Statement: In our installation inspired by Rona Pondrick’s “Mouse” and “The Head of Guanyin” from the Yuan Dynasty we combined the emotions of compassion and solitude that are presented in the pieces. The spider webs that we created at the door represent the feelings of solitude depicted in “Mouse.” Being under the web is meant to make the viewer feel trapped. We created a path using the hair from the face and river from the mural to lead the audience to the face which represents the compassion depicted in the “Head of Guanyin.”
