Bonnie Collura is a talented American artist who was born in 1970. Her work is mainly focused on different forms of figurations. Her collection of work named Prince is a great representative. The space this show was set up in works as a supplement for the works. The non-polished, raw, open plan interior space became something that is setting off the works. Walking in from the main entrance the layers and depth of the sculptures already speak for themselves with their varieties of color and styles. With a couple of works displayed on the floor and rest of them hanging from the celling, the layout provides a complex visual experience. Stepping closer, the details of the works started to shine. Natural and handmade materials were used in all Collura’s pieces. Each figure is compacted and complicated by using many natural or handmade textures. By combining these elements the figures start evolving yet remain cohesive. Individually they bring viewers different kinds of satisfaction while walking around and between them. Among all Collura’s work a couple of them are different form of human body; distinct male face with softer, feminine body feature created surrogate figures. As the artist of this intensive collection, Collura plays different roles while making these figures; she is part director, part fabricator, and part weird scientist who invented several versions of a male surrogate. By subverting restrictive gender roles of the artist she created a revolutionary path of forming figures, which makes her a rather modern sculptor.
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I appreciate how you describe Collura's different roles within this review as "part director, part fabricator and part weird scientist," since I think that the mix of these roles reflects the eclectic references and visual language she uses within her pieces. However, I think that your review could've been more successful if you had brought in one of her central ideas - the mix of several versions of a male surrogate - earlier on in your writing as this would help center the reader in the context of the show. Also, in some places the wording is a bit awkward but could be smoothed out with another editing pass.
ReplyDeleteHi, I realize I wasn't signed in for that last comment but it was me. - Jae
DeleteI appreciate how you spoke about how the non-white cube space affected the work. Though, I think I would have liked to hear more about the installation itself. It (the installation) felt both specific and haphazard in a way. Figures were suspended in the air as well as just piles of fabric like laundry were left on the ground. While you mention “many materials” being handmade or natural more details to these I think could be helpful. I think the roles she plays was an astute comment but perhaps put this in more context in the description of the show. Maybe move that line to the beginning and use it to guide the rest of the review?
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