Abstract Art Made Accessible
Placed is an exhibition in the Glen P. Sutherland Gallery of Art of a collection paintings by Lauren Bell. This show runs from February 19th to March 3rd.
The work is a culmination of her thesis year of studies presented in three grids within an open gallery space. Prior to this presentation of work, Bell’s focus was in oil paintings as well as exploring other media through classes at the university. Her past subject matter has dealt with the concept of mapping the rural landscape and using the idea of placement as a mirror or metaphor for our contrived concepts of persona.
Much of the subject matter has evolved into using grids as a method for control. Bell feels that this form of sectioning things off can serve as a device to define persona, but also to classify or stereotype. I had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Lauren Bell about some of her thoughts on Placed:
How much is your work is influenced by the physical process of painting? “Oil painting allows me to use layering and a multitude of application techniques. Over time, my paintings within Grid One were changed and influenced heavily by process.”
What are some of the evolutions that took place as you were doing the work? “Aesthetically, I chose to narrow my palate to achieve a visual consistency and fluidity to the work. Conceptually, the show began as being about individuality. This concept grew into my own study of self identity being viewed differently when placed within the context of society as a whole.”
How much of your work is influenced by your past, and how does your work change as you move into new physical settings? “I feel that many people’s art practice is influenced by experience. As these life experiences change, my artwork changes also. The idea of rural community has been the subject of much of my work thus far, and as I move to new settings, more and more of my work becomes influenced by these new experiences.
Within my art practice I constantly relate the works back to myself while keeping the work abstract enough that viewers can interpret and place their own meanings on each piece. The push and pull between rural and urban has played a large part in how I draw parallels to my ideas of self identity.”
One of your grids involves audience interaction, can you explain this concept for those who might be unfamiliar with the idea of being able to put their own mark on your artwork? “Grid Two is an aerial view of a section of historic downtown Brandon. I have asked the audience to participate and get involved with the artwork by putting their own landmarks and areas of significance onto my painting, making it personal to them. By having this grid be interactive, I hope to gain greater understanding of how others put significance on physical places.”
Congratulations on your thesis show. For those who haven’t been to see the work yet, can you give them one final reason that your show is a must-see? “Upon entering the gallery, you will be blown away by my awesomeness! … or the smell of paint.” Placed runs until March 3rd. The artist’s reception was an outstanding success, so don’t miss your chance to view some art on campus. Its called culture - learn it, love it.
The Glen P. Sutherland Gallery of Art is located at 2021 Victoria Ave, just behind the Gymnasium with the entrance and parking on the North side of the building.
