kimomo #71 72 dpi

Comment

Comment by Resident Curator on November 7, 2011 at 8:22am

Curator’s Comment:

 

These kimono based works are arresting in their awareness of ethnic traditions and form, while responding to contemporary sculptural practice through texture and materials.  I see a strong influence of Miriam Schapiro’s large scale kimono and textile paintings.  The pieces also have a figural presence, but the gridded pattern contains luminous squares of blue and copper-green patina.   There is a brilliant manipulation of metal surfaces where a more pliant fabric is anticipated. It’s as if the outstretched iridescent sleeves have a wing span.  I wondered about the images you posted working with a press- my initial reaction to your work was that it had an almost intaglio pigmentation, or etched copper surface.  I’m also very intrigued by the modern and Western use of the garment, as I understand its history to be ripe with reference to social status and position.  While scale isn’t indicated directly, the image with your photo looks as though the pieces are half life sized.  This would add an interesting aspect to the work, since there could be a doll like quality to the pieces on a small scale, whereas large sculptures might command a more assertive presence.