March 18 - 31, 2024
From Texas State Galleries:
“Connecting with the natural world, whether through wilderness or cultivated flora, can be a deeply humbling encounter that fosters understanding and compassion for oneself and others. As we delve into the intricacies of each plant, we gain an intimate understanding of the emotions we project onto them. An aloe plant might evoke memories of our nurturing grandmother, while various medicinal herbs can symbolize healing. In our own living spaces, we bestow feelings upon potted plants and vegetable gardens, transforming them into daily companions and caregivers. The bouquets we offer carry encoded messages of love, empathy, and joy. Our personal experiences are vividly expressed through our relationship with nature. Plants intersect with our lives in various ways, encompassing cultural (symbolic representation through mascots, national flags, and folklore), spiritual, and physical dimensions (plants in urban environments and nature reserves). Contemplating the disappearance of these plants prompts reflection on the importance of preserving ecological balance, emphasizing the unique bond we share with plants, which, in turn, can help us safeguard the environment for the benefit of future generations.
In delving into the intricate tapestry of the profound connection between humanity and nature, these five artists unfold an array of perspectives, each thread uniquely woven yet collectively anchored in the shared experience of motherhood. As mothers, they bring forth an intimate and diverse exploration, collectively framing Nature as a maternal nurturer. This shared lens offers a kaleidoscopic vision of a future marked by heightened interconnectivity. The nuanced nature of their individual viewpoints invites viewers to immerse themselves in the layered dialogue, creating a contemplative space where the boundaries between human experience and the natural world gently dissolve.
In Lana Waldrep Appl’s latest work, her canvases come alive with the very objects that share her living space—handmade ceramics, disposable plastics, meticulously cared-for plants, and the wild, uncultivated beauty of weeds. The inception of this collection is traced back to a pivotal moment — her twin pregnancy during the early stages of the pandemic. This unique juncture events prompted Lana to turn her gaze inward, focusing on her domestic surroundings. It begs the question: Have we ever spent so much time at home, truly observing and contemplating the significance of every object that surrounds us?
Elizabeth Chiles’ work embraces the profound potency of plants, not merely as botanical entities but as conduits for healing and spiritual renewal, and gateways to realms beyond the visible. Her photographic work masterfully intertwines the tangible and the transcendent, inviting viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness between the natural world and the unseen dimensions it may unveil.
At the core of Yevgenia Davidoff’s artistic expression lies a continuous ritual of love and remembrance—a therapeutic journey through grief, serving as a profound mechanism for healing and self-discovery. Each meticulous brushstroke on her botanical “canvases” pays homage to her late mother’s poignant dying wish: the creation of a field adorned with wildflowers. Throughout her exploration, Yevgenia unveils Nature as an archetype of a nurturing mother, offering wisdom, solace, and a foundation for eco-centric spirituality. This revelation underscores the interconnectedness of humanity with nature, pointing towards a future where this harmony fosters collective well-being.
In her sculptures, Sarah Hirneisen utilizes three-dimensional processes to explore the idea of remnants, contemplating what is left over by processes in nature as they transition through cycles of growth, decay, and renewal. Employing the intricate process of casting, she not only captures these ephemeral moments but also enshrines and preserves them, creating tangible artifacts capturing transience in the natural world as a metaphor for our life.
Within her body of work, Yuliya Lanina scrutinizes the intricate interplay between absurdity, sexuality, and trauma, with a specific emphasis on the processes of physical and psychic reconstruction through the assembly of disparate elements. Infusing her creations with a dissonant charge, Lanina presents an outward playfulness and quirkiness that serves as a deliberate lure, inviting closer inspection. Through her skillful use of collaged botanical and human forms, Lanina engages in a dialogue about the hybridity and interconnectedness frequently observed.
The works in this show vary in style, genre and discipline but share a common theme of portraying nature as a nurturing and maternal force, echoing the universal Mother archetype.”
Reception: March 18, 2024 | 10 pm – 1 am
Texas State Galleries FLEX Space
233 West Sessom Drive
San Marcos, 78666 Texas
512-245-2647
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