09.10.09
to 10.03.09
MEGAN MADZOEFF: Realities of Abstraction
•
MEGANN
MADZEOFF: Realities of Abstraction is an exhibition of new paintings and works
on paper by the artist. At first glance, we see that her canvases and papers
are filled with the organic shapes and lines of manipulated liquid paint,
which the artist pours, pushes and pulls across the surface. “I choose
to work with liquids because they have a life and will of their own. Left
on it’s own, the liquid will move wherever it pleases. But with my influence,
it becomes a partnership between freedom and control.” From there, the
artist begins to view her works as potential scenes, with puddles, drips and
shapes morphing into recognizable elements. To lure us into seeing the “things”
she sees, the artist introduces an unexpected element: ostriches. These birds,
peculiar in their own right, seem doubly odd when added to her otherwise straightforward
abstract works. It is then that we realize these are not really abstract paintings
and perhaps no abstract painting ever could be. The artist prompts us to open
our minds, to see past categories or definitions and instead simply enjoy
the adventure of looking.
Megann Madzoeff completed her M.F.A at Claremont Graduate University and her
B.F.A at Art Center College of Design. She currently lives and works in Long
Beach, CA.
