Another artist that I was very intrigued by was Argentinean artist Lucrecia Troncoso. Her work consisted of commonly discarded everyday objects such as paper towels, orange peels, and sponges transformed into whimsical and lovely objects. Her work also included small-scale shoes innovatively made from orange peels entitled, One Size Fits All, and a skillfully done miniature purse to match titled, One Size Fits All #3. They evoke memories of childhood and transform the viewer into another reality where garbage becomes fanciful works of art. Her cellulose sponges carved into green vines and orange flowers transformed something ordinary into something extraordinary, unusual, and beautiful.
I was extremely inspired by a piece named Oil Spill, which consisted of paper towels and paraffin wax converted into a forest of miniature white trees. The black foreground and dark room with small lights created a glowing, beautiful forest of baby trees complete with flowers. It transported me into an imaginary folktale similar to the likes of Never Never Land and Narnia. They reminded me of cherry blossoms in Japan and my childhood all in a second’s glance. Who knew paper towels and wax could evoke such sentiment and become something stunningly gorgeous?
Other emerging artists to watch out for are Alexis Amann, who did a number of acrylic gauche on paper paintings, featuring a childlike world of creatures and animals in vivid colors and interesting layers and shapes. Kimetha Vanderveen’s works are all small-scale monotypes on paper using a miniature press. The small abstract works of art done in schemes of grey, black, and white are reminiscent of architecture, different atmospheres, and landscapes. Appearing simply “done,” they leave much to contemplate and envision. Her work is a stimulating change to many of the overly intense and brilliantly colored pieces in the show that leave less to the imagination.
All in all, I was quite impressed with the work shown at the Emerge show and the depth of the show itself. It encompassed a wide range of art forms and beautifully done pieces that seem not only museum-friendly, but also home-friendly. I hope GenArt continues to foster the growth of brilliant emerging artists. I’m excited to see the continued work and success of new artists in the Bay Area.
