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1. Collective, 2008, gouache on rag paper, 64" x 42"
2. Collective, detail
3. Loom, 2008, gouache on rag paper, 42" x 92"
4. Sprout, 2008, gouache and acrylic on rag paper,
30" x 22"
5. Infiltrate, 2007, gouache and cut-outs on rag paper,
22" x 60"
6. Divided, 2007, gouache and cut-outs on rag paper,
22" x 82"
7. Nesting, 2007, gouache, cut-outs and collage on rag
paper, 60" x 44"
8. Infectious, 2007, gouache on rag paper, 42" x 36"
9. Green, 2007, gouache and cut-outs on rag paper,
38" x 48"
10. Uprooted, 2007, gouache on rag paper, 42" x 55-1/2"
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Silhouette Drawings
1. Segregate, 2007, cut-outs with gouache on rag paper, 43' x 32"
2. Celadon Hybrid (encroach), 2007, cut-outs with gouache on rag paper, 22" x 30"
3. Hypoxia, variation 2, 2007, cut-outs with gouache on rag paper, 22" x 15"
4. Cannula, 2007, cut-outs with gouache on rag paper, 22" x 30"
5. Hyperemesis gravidarum/Plagiocephaly, 2007, cut-outs, collage with gouache on rag
paper, 44" x 30"
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Artist Statement
My work investigates gesture in nature. I am continually trying to understand how urban and suburban life's constructs reflect on my view of nature -- symbolically, psychologically and conceptually. This current body of work combines cut-outs of botanical illustrations and my own renderings of weeds -- often in silhouette; along with more gestural painting, scratching, tearing, and layering of color. The perfection of crisp edges and singular color give way to crowded natural forms which are more vague, transitory, and aggressive.
I identify this distorted understanding of nature as a metaphor for an impossible search for an 'ideal' environment. Being a homeowner in a fluctuating neighborhood on the fringes of Center City Philadelphia, and a 'new'mother are two realms of my identity that pull me to reconstruct, beautify, and reorganize my surroundings in order to make it 'better'. The titles of the works follow two threads that track concerns brought up by urban renewal and raising children.
I may crave the natural overgrowth of forests, but truly prefer the solace, safety and comfort of a tailored garden ñ plants of my choosing, planted where I've chosen. I am continually struck by the oddity of walking past an abandoned lot that has quickly grown into a square plot of jungle, directly across from a 'cute' maintained home with stunning windowboxes. I find myself enraged at the apathetic gestures that deposit bits of plastic, but intrigued by the towering trees of weeds that are left to mature in between properties. I have a love/hate relationship to finding beauty within urban life.
The desire to arrange a natural form in a composition correlates to my own paths of picking and choosing what is 'best' in the city: the diversity is essential -- but only if it is according to my own interests. |
Education
2003
Tyler School of Art, Elkins Park, PA
MFA, Painting, with University Fellowship
2000
Sydney College of the Arts, Sydney, Australia
MSA, Painting, with High Distinctions
1997
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
BFA, Art with Honors
1996, and 2003
Study Abroad, Temple Rome, Italy |
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| Selected Exhibitions
Solo
2004
Instability, University City Arts League, Philadelphia, PA
Group
2006
Works on Paper: 2006, Arcadia University, Glenside, PA
2005
Junto, Fleisher/Ollman Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2004
Philadelphia Selections : 5, Paley and Levy Galleries, Moore College of Art, Philadelphia, PA
Summer Dialogue, Broadway Gallery, New York, NY
2003
MFA Biennial:The Future is Now, Delaware Center for Contemporary Art, Wilmington, DE
National Open Juried Exhibit, Wayne Art Center, Wayne, PA
MFA Thesis Exhibit, Temple Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2000
Beyond Surface, TAP Gallery, Sydney, Australia |
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Images copyright © Arden Bendler Browning
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