Amber Weaver Assignment #1

I thought Marilee Salvator's exhibition Prolific Growth was beautifully done. All of the pieces seemingly flowed together. The individually framed pieces seemed to stem from the large wall instillation of cell like shapes spreading and growing to the point where they took over almost a whole wall. They all contained similar colors and shapes which also contributed to the flow of the space. To me, the layout of the pieces created a sense that there was a continuous cycle of growth happening. In a way, the individual prints could almost be parts of the large instillation; like you're zoomed into a part of the large piece.

Composition #25 (2009; Digital, relief, multiple shaped etching plates) is the piece that I was drawn to. This particular one has an over all feeling (to me) of calmness. When I look at this, I feel like I'm looking at a group of seashells laying in a pool of water with the dancing reflections from the sun. The thing that drew me to this the most would be the muted complimentary color combinations. For example, the moss green background and the light cranberry red on some of the shell/cell like shapes. I also like how everything is layered together to create a interesting composition.

I love Salvator's concept behind her work of finding beauty in unexpected places. For example, finding beauty in cancer cells. Instead of thinking that they are bad, she looked at the shapes that they formed and was able to create a language from those shapes that become beautiful compositions. I found it interesting how the parts of the compositions were formed. For example, the rain project. The idea of going out and tracing rain drops really intrigues me. I also enjoyed hearing about other artists that influenced Salvator's pieces.