
I work primarily in collage, recycling old and contemporary words and images. I like to reinterpret meaning by juxtaposing pictures and phrases, creating new context. The compositions are from a series of work “A Must See,” using movie reviews quotes against the background of natural disasters and other tragedies. Here is the statement from that show:
When you look at photos in newspapers and magazines featuring tragedy at home and abroad, how do you feel? Is it real for you? Can you relate? Are they things that just happen elsewhere to other people? Do you feel overwhelmed about the frequency of these events? Do natural disaster movies seem like more fact than fiction. What words would you use to describe these events?
With the ever increasing man-made and environmental violence in many parts of the world—through genocide, terrorism, and climate change (floods, fire, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.)—the usual descriptions surrounding these events seem redundant (“horrible,” “what a shame,” “those poor people,” “someone should do something.”)
I chose to change the conversation by using hyperbolic, bombastic, over-the-top superlative language from “pull quotes” in movie reviews to shake up our sensitivities and reactions to these events. These quotes are intentionally used to entice the audience, giving a sense of urgency to the picture advertised in front of them. The disaster movie is real, it’s happening around us…A Must See.
Jurors:
- Rose Bryant, Art Up Front Street Artist and Co-Founder
- Christine O'Donnell, Beacon Gallery Owner and Gallery Manager
- Marjorie Kaye , Galatea Fine Art Founder/Member/Director Emeritus