What did it for me? It was hard to resist Kalina Pilat’s Fancy Man Pillows, applique cushions starring none other than a soft-eyed Mr. Darcy, and equally brilliant was Claire Pendrigh’s gold-leaf cassette – no doubt a homage to the mighty mix tape. Transcending the kitsch was Entwined by Elena Papanikolakis, charming at first but on reflection more deeply engaging and perhaps even worrisome. The dangling sheaf of friendship bracelets, braided and beaded, creates a planative knot, their simple, symbolic appeal made helpless and void of meaning. Resounding most forcefully was Jonathan Webster’s series I Love You Carvings – fleeting notes of adoration made direct into the bark of trees, captured on camera, the photographic prints then worked into with paint, and of course, glitter. Strangely enough, these works that I’m attracted to the most I find the hardest to explain why. Such is the nature of love I guess.
Crush is on show until Saturday July 30th at the School of Art Gallery.
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