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An examination of what’s rarely examined is the motivation for the varied collection of work at “The Unseen”, the newest show at Clemson University’s Lee Gallery. It’s an interesting approach — look at the space around you. What don’t you see? Besides that bottle of Valtrax you keep hidden in your sock drawer.
Of course, the possibilities are nearly limitless and the variations on this theme by five talented artists are reason enough to check out the exhibit. But the show’s subplot — the arduous process creating each piece demands – puts the show a cut above just “good.”
“That’s one common thread in the show – all of their work is the kind of work that is very labor intensive,” said the Lee Gallery’s Fleming Markel.
Of course, all the complexity in the world means nothing if it’s garbage hung on the wall. But there are no worries here. Take first the offerings of Athens, Ga. artist Cheryl Goldsleger, which deal with underlying structures. Using a technique dating back to ancient Egypt called encaustic painting, she must apply color to a layer of heated wax, lay it on the canvas, incise lines, add more color and repeat. The results have earned her recognition on a national level and her pieces at the “The Unseen” tell why.
The process of up and comer Annette Gates is equally arcane with equally impressive results. Subtle shapes are crocheted and filled with porcelain slip, then placed in a kiln. The fabric burns when it’s fired, but its imprint is retained on the final product.
Gates is one of three artists in the show who is represented by Atlanta’s Kiang Gallery, which was instrumental in bringing the show together.
Also part of the Kiang family is Jill Moser, who offers paintings in which each successive layer obliterates the previous, but leaves part of the information visible, providing for the larger theme.
Digital prints of the same character accompany her paintings. In each, commonplace objects are photographed that combine to form the dominant pattern, but deciphering exactly what is photographed isn’t so easy.
“I really don’t want to tell you what was photographed because that’s part of the fun,” Markel laughed.
Furman professor Michael Broder, a former colleague of Markel’s at the S.C. Governor’s School for the Arts, provides his incredibly detailed renderings of Styrofoam packaging, like what might be found in the box of a new computer. While it isn’t particularly process oriented, the detail of the work is such that the labor involved is apparent.
Laura Bell, who like Gates is at the outset of her career, brings together printmaking, drawing and painting and keeps with the show’s theme by creating work based on one cell organisms, which almost end up looking effeminate and delicate.
“The Unseen” is scheduled to run through Sept. 14. An artists’ reception will be held for several of the participants at Lee Gallery on Sept. 6 at 4 p.m., at which the artists will discuss their work before the wine and music. For more information call (864) 656-3883.
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