Eradication of a Mechanical Virus
Faculty Mentor Name
Merrill Schleier
Faculty Mentor Department
Visual Arts
Abstract/Artist Statement
“Eradication of a Mechanical Virus” is a series of prints that explores the power struggle between nature and man-made machines. It brings awareness to the destruction man-made machines have had on the natural world. In the attempt to take control of organic processes, humans have created machines and altered the environment, going against a natural cycle. My work portrays nature’s reaction and need to reclaim autonomy. In spite of the devastating effects of the mechanized world, nature is able to adapt, purify, and thrive. The dialogic relationship between the natural and man-made is a power struggle for survival.The printmaking processes of woodblock, etching, and monotype, combined with abstract imagery, are associated with balance and act as a pertinent medium to create this body of work. Physically, they involve restraint and agitation. Philosophically, they are a mesh between craft and fine art. Emotionally, they communicate tranquility and disarray. Creating the work through these processes reiterates the tension through physically and intuitively reflecting the dialogue between organic and mechanical.“Eradication of a Mechanical Virus” is based on the study of machines and botany. Conceptual research on machine and plant imagery started with historical studies on the ancient Near East and California flora. Contemporary artists such as Swoon, Rauschenberg, Judd, and Hesse provided formal influences in their use of materials. They provided me with a vocabulary to show the frail structure of life while simultaneously exploring society’s perceptions of what is organic and what is manufactured.
Location
Reynolds Art Gallery
Start Date
21-4-2011 6:00 PM
End Date
21-4-2011 9:00 PM
Eradication of a Mechanical Virus
Reynolds Art Gallery
“Eradication of a Mechanical Virus” is a series of prints that explores the power struggle between nature and man-made machines. It brings awareness to the destruction man-made machines have had on the natural world. In the attempt to take control of organic processes, humans have created machines and altered the environment, going against a natural cycle. My work portrays nature’s reaction and need to reclaim autonomy. In spite of the devastating effects of the mechanized world, nature is able to adapt, purify, and thrive. The dialogic relationship between the natural and man-made is a power struggle for survival.The printmaking processes of woodblock, etching, and monotype, combined with abstract imagery, are associated with balance and act as a pertinent medium to create this body of work. Physically, they involve restraint and agitation. Philosophically, they are a mesh between craft and fine art. Emotionally, they communicate tranquility and disarray. Creating the work through these processes reiterates the tension through physically and intuitively reflecting the dialogue between organic and mechanical.“Eradication of a Mechanical Virus” is based on the study of machines and botany. Conceptual research on machine and plant imagery started with historical studies on the ancient Near East and California flora. Contemporary artists such as Swoon, Rauschenberg, Judd, and Hesse provided formal influences in their use of materials. They provided me with a vocabulary to show the frail structure of life while simultaneously exploring society’s perceptions of what is organic and what is manufactured.