CARRIE LINGSCHEIT, Lady Musteline
Recommended by Catherine (Collections Specialist / Gallery Associate):
Carrie Lingscheit’s intaglio prints explore the symbolism and subtleties of human behavior and relationships. This enchanting and somewhat absurd etching, depicting a masked woman with an armful of beloved ferrets (or some other musteline creature), inspires some curious narratives in my mind. I interpret her ferret disguise as a way of creating safety, but I wonder for whom that safety is intended. Does she wear this mask simply to help the ferrets feel safe and secure in her arms, or does her personal sense of safety also require the ferrets to stay close to her? Or, perhaps she truly sees herself as one of them. The viewer can bring their own relational narratives to their interpretation, which is one thing I love about this piece. It is a delightful invitation to explore questions around human attachment and the transformations we experience, whether forced or natural, to stay close to those we love.
WAL CHIRACHAISAKUL, Labyrinth of Liberty
Recommended by Nikki (Art Photographer / Marketing and Exhibitions Specialist):
This large mezzotint was printed in 2018 - before covid shut the world down. Today, it feels equally, if not more relevant. I enjoy the perspective Thai artist, Chirachaisakul, has on America’s ‘Labyrinth of Liberty’. Liberty is bound, gagged, blinded, objectified, and wrapped in fragility - unable to help the small figures that climb her. Even if the figures in the print could make it through the maze at the bottom, there would be even more red tape at the top.
SEIICHI HIROSHIMA, For Fukushima - Hannya-shingyo II
Recommended by Paige (Collections Manager / Marketing Coordinator):
Lately, I have been reflecting on art's place in the face of tragedy, of war, and of suffering. This piece, 'For Fukushima - Hannya-shingyo II', has always struck me visually, but it has captured my mind especially in this context. Hiroshima beautifully understands art as remembrance, art as witness, art as prayer. The artist's hands are felt in the texture of the handmade paper, in each layer of color applied, in each stroke of calligraphy. The language speaks of wisdom and in deep red, it is powerful but not forceful. The mountains are dark but they touch a bright sky. This piece naturally inspires honest reflection.
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JENNY ROBINSON, The Glasshouse
Recommended by Rebecca (Gallery Associate):
Jenny Robinson's ethereal "Glasshouse" recalls the beautiful Victorian structures that housed exotic, botanical wonders for visitors to promenade amongst; talking, sharing gossip, glances and whispers. The scale of the piece is commanding, yet the Japanese paper and indigo color give it lightness and mystery. The palm fronds and flax reference the exotic hothouse specimens from that period. Robinson's mastery of combining drypoint and watercolor while printing at a monumental scale is unsurpassed. The lovely, delicate Japanese Gampi paper, expertly seamed and backed with Sekishu, provides the necessary strength to make such a large-scale piece while maintaining the imagery's otherworldly beauty.
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