FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2004
KATE DAVIS CALDWELL “RECLAIM | TRANSPOSE” – New Paintings
Philadelphia, PA - The Bridgette Mayer Gallery is pleased to present its second solo exhibition of artist Kate Davis Caldwell. “Reclaim |Transpose” will run from June 2 – July 17, 2004 with an opening reception Friday, June 4th from 6:00-8:30 p.m. The exhibition will feature a series of new 36” square paintings on canvas and several smaller 20” square paintings on canvas.
In her new series of works, Davis Caldwell continues to explore the themes of nostalgia and the creation of “visual storybooks.” The viewer is presented with layered paintings incorporating vintage photography, elements from nature and repetition of patterns and design elements.
Davis Caldwell’s intention is to form “connections by creating a sense of familiarity and nostalgia.” Suggestive pictorial elements encourage one to create stories and meaning thus creating “new visual narrartives.” And as she explains, “The exhibition title “Reclaim | Transpose” is indicative of the paintings’ process, and is the foundation for the works. To reclaim is to recover and rescue. To transpose is to appropriate that which, when rendered in a different context, allows for new interpretation. In addition, pattern, repetition, and palette are tools that reinforce meaning and create continuum.”
Often, relationships to elements from nature are considered. Pinecones, mosquitoes, thistles; they all provide links to surroundings and the environment, intimating a more universal connection. As well, this echoes an organic sensibility that is reflected in the sepia and aged patina of the sources.
Appealing is the fact that the photographs incorporated into the paintings have an inherent history. From the instant the moment was preserved in time, the snapshot has been observed, studied, put away, re-evaluated, tossed aside, stored, forgotten, discovered, reclaimed... Their integration into the paintings creates a constant presence.
Kate Davis Caldwell received her B.A. from the University of Vermont. This is the artist’s second solo exhibition at the Bridgette Mayer Gallery. “Reclaim | Transpose” will run through July 17, 2004. The artist will be present at the opening reception Friday, June 4th from 6:00-8:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Wednesday-Saturday 11:00 - 5:30 p.m., other days by appointment. For additional information please contact Bridgette Mayer, 215.413.8893 Fax 215.413.2283
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