INTER -

INTER - New Works by Natalie Macellaio & Lesli Robertson

March 7th - March 28th, 2008
Opening Reception: Saturday March 7th 6-10pm
Featuring DJ Jeff Ross

Inter- comments on the relationship of artist to material. For Natalie Macellaio and Lesli Robertson, material is not solely a physical object, but a communicator of the histories, traditions, and contexts in which it has and continues to exist in our global society. We explore new perspectives on the use of material and process by creating new contexts in which to view objects; bringing about dialogue on the value of the work created and the hand that made it. The works included in this exhibition explore the connection to culture and identity through the replication and reproduction of handmade objects.

Natalie Macellaio is using her investigation into arthropods to explore and exploit the relationship society has with these insects. In her work, she chooses certain materials for their social references as well as their inherent physical properties. She combines objects which are mass produced as well as objects that are hand made to look at the different ways in which our society deal with pests. With Inter-, Natalie will continue these investigations in creating new parallels and comparisons between the handmade and mass produced object.

As a parallel to her studio practice, Lesli Robertson studies the role of material culture within societies. She explores how the techniques and processes, design, and function of objects communicate the identity of an individual and culture, focusing on the relevance of the object beyond its physical nature. Research in Uganda has led her to incorporate techniques and objects from that culture into sculptural explorations of material value. In Inter-, she explores the process of the hand through the creation of three-dimensional objects and installations that attempt to challenge the perspective of the handmade.

Upstairs Gallery: Sarah Williams: The Places in Between