Indigo Doll no.2, photography composite, inkjet print on metal, Fatima Franks
In the earlier centuries of the ancient world, art was used mainly for decorative purposes. The art was either ornamental or decorated with architectural elements. Beyond the Decorative surveys how contemporary artists are redefining the meaning and association of decorative techniques and subject matter. The artists in the show explored and pushed the boundaries of patterned art by creating new narratives relating to individuality and self-expression. The works shown were in the fields of photography, video, digital, painting, and sculpture. This exhibition includes works from nationally and internationally recognized artists including Susy Bielak, Reed van Brunschot, Fatima Franks, Casey Baden, Samantha Greenfeld, Michael Harnish, David Krovblit, Zafi Ahmed, Lesley Kice Nishigawara, Cecilia Paredes, Nikita Vishnevskiy and Fred Schmalz. In the photographic works of Cecilia Paredes, the artist uses photo-based performances to document self-portraiture and themes of identity. Paredes makes patterned landscapes and uses herself as the artist in the landscapes. Paredes utilizes her own identity in relation to her surroundings and raises the question of how an individual is influenced by the existing habitats. She disguises herself against floral patterns by having her body draped in the same clothing and mimicking the patterning by applying paint to her skin. The Three Graces shows the subject facing away from the viewer and using her body language to have an intimate conversation with nature. Fatima Franks works with montaged composite photography using digital brushes to create thought-provoking socio-political art. Franks strongly believes in equality between genders, which is a core principle of an organized society. Her work mainly deals with issues such as feminism, politics, social issues, and culture. The Indigo Doll no.2 shows a narrative approach to storytelling by using portraiture to address perceived gender roles in society. The work depicts pressing questions in order to raise awareness about gender inequalities, as well as an attempt to subvert patriarchal structures. Indigo Doll no.2 shows a large hybrid female face with scuffs, bruises, and an Islamic scripture across her face. A colossal head is shown hovering over a green landscape with multiple vintage vacuum patterning in the background to reference the subject’s projected identity. Frank’s work simulates the idea of a woman who repudiates gender ideologies of unequally divided tasks. Frank’s work is a significant commentary on coercive patriarchal control and violence against women.
For Better or Worse, plastic, silk, plastic and metal (installation), Reed van Brunschot
Reed van Brunschot’s installation work For Better or Worse shows transitional moments and the emotional displacement in one’s life. Her work questions human sentiments in unexpected configurations of objects, showing the absurdities of life. Brunschot dwells on themes of memories leading to all things ephemeral. Brunschot has used white satin to wrap household objects such as the kitchen sink and utensils. The once-silken wedding gown cut and wrapped is a powerful commentary on the quotidian’s perceived gender roles. The wedding dress had been stored away after a divorce and finally outlasted the years of a twenty-five-year marriage. The assemblage of a sink full of dishes acts as a metaphor for dirt and grime in failed relationships. The dress once sacred and meaningful now shows only remnants of a material devoid of old associations.
Faberge-Grenade, collage mixed media, David Krovblit
David Krovblit’s lens-based photo collages are depictions of intricately decorated Fabergé grenades as means to comment on a much-needed socio-political message. Krovblit has been working professionally as a commercial photographer for decades and has received numerous awards and international recognition. Krovblit’s delicately created beautiful grenades symbolize life and death as a tongue-in-cheek social commentary. The multiple displays of these grenades were shown as exquisite lavish worldly objects in contrast to the ultimate mortality of man.
The World Inside This One, (video still), Susy Bielak and Fred Schmalz
Susy Bielak and Fred Schmalz’s collaborative video work was the thought-provoking abstract idea that raised inquiries about the human bond and its connection to the history of ancestry. The video depicted a strong and appealing narrative of the present dialogue on how family lineage is perceived. Multiple scenarios of individuals contained in specific spaces were creating a dialogue with space and time. The figure in red camouflaged amidst a dense floral landscape was a captivating and an immersive experience during the film. Bielak and Schmaltz are currently attending an artist residency at the Grand Central Art Center, in California.
The sculptural works by Samantha Greenfeld are laden with issues related to product consumption and the eventual outcomes of environmental destruction. Her design-like installation work comprises various objects which are shown as discarded, destroyed, and obsolete things. The items are reappropriated as architectural structures of the present times. Other artists in the exhibition such as Casey Baden, Zafi Ahmed, Michael Harnish, Lesley Kice Nishigawara, and Nikita Vishnevskiy are also not concerned with the design, decoration, or aesthetics but rather use their work as means to engage in a cultural dialogue. The works exhibited at the show are visually appealing, with beautiful, meticulous descriptions illustrating multifaceted meanings and inquiries into a broader worldview. The artists shown in Beyond the Decorative have championed their skills and ideas as their distinguished style to translate readability through their powerfully executed works. The show will remain on display from October 16th until December 31st, 2022. The Great Park Gallery will host an exhibition panel discussion on November 12th from 1-3 pm. A panel discussion will include exhibiting artists and curators Constance Mallinson and Suzanne Walsh on the history of décor and its role in contemporary art. This discussion will highlight motifs, processes, practices, and histories while providing an opportunity for audience engagement through a Q&A segment.
