Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Stephen F. Austin State University Professor of Art Lauren Selden will demonstrate and lecture on Feb. 28 in Brazosport in connection with her solo exhibition showing at the Brazosport College Art Gallery.
Selden’s “The Space Between” is an exhibition of retrospective works showing Jan. 5 through Feb. 29. It consists of four major bodies of work titled “Invasive Species,” “Returning Home,” “Fire Starters” and “Flying Rings.” Selden, who is a professor of jewelry and metalwork at SFA, will conduct an artist demonstration at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, followed by a closing art reception from 1 to 2:30 p.m. where she’ll give a brief artist lecture at 1:30 p.m. at the gallery.
In describing each body of work, Selden said “Invasive Species” consists of sculptural works that explore the interplay between geometric forms and nature. Each work is unique and was created by fabricating cast forms to mimic invasive organic forms.
“Returning Home” responds to ideas of displacement, architecture and memory. Using soft wax, Selden fabricated replicas of her many previous homes. “The universal style of these low economic homes connects with the viewer,” she explains. “Each work looks like there has been a horrible event, and the homes stand on stilts to avoid rising water – a metaphor.”
She further explained that “Fire Starters” is “influenced by historic match strikers that react to politics, media and our opinions of events occurring beyond our tangible knowledge. I especially respond to the idea that there are often two sides to every story.” These works establish a record of contemporary figures including Dolly Parton, Sarah Palin, Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart, Angelina Jolie and Hillary Clinton.
The fourth, “Flying Rings,” is an evolving series that employs simple geometric shapes to question mobility and stillness through strategically placed propellers and wheels. “These sculptures possess a void within the form to personify the work while creating an allegorical representation of flight,” Selden said.
Watch a video including a walkthrough of a recent exhibition held in the South Cora Stafford Gallery at the University of North Texas. For more information, contact Selden at lselden@sfasu.edu.