Two artists, one vision: ‘Symbiosis’
gallery review
Two artists, one vision: ‘Symbiosis’
Rainbow Bracey
Assistant Spectrum Editor
The Commons Gallery’s walls jump forward into the imagination—five inkjet prints on one side and intricately weaved baskets on the other. In the center of the room, a massive structure covers the majority of the floor. Contrary to the description, the room is not in disarray. Each piece is given its own show space, and the varying directions and dimensions minimize clutter.
Artist Melanie Seeger’s process was long and meticulously planned.
“ ‘Symbiosis’ was constructed out of 81 individual pieces. Each piece was made by draping fiberglass around a welded steel armature and then coating the fiberglass in hydrocal, a gypsum product much like plaster. The two mounds are connected with interlocking steel rods and steel tube.”
Seeger’s artist statement reveals that the structure seeks balance. Often in her life as a bi-racial individual she has struggled with identity, the inner battle over who she is as a person. She considers the materials used common to everyone (glass, plastic, metals, and fibers). The goal—to connect and balance.
The basket structures on the wall were a result of the talent of Leilani Gonzales. Her piece, “Disconnected,” is strikingly reminiscent of the ram horns in the Commons Plaza.
The long spiral-like baskets were hung to display every side and angle. The piece, “Basketcase,” along with the majority of the exhibition was three-dimensional. However, the balance came with the inkjet prints of “Symbiosis.”
On collaborating with Gonzales, Seeger said, “We chose to do a joint show because we felt that our work complimented each other. We both worked from monochrome palettes and used multiples/repetition to construct our pieces. We wanted our pieces to work together while still holding true to our own unique styles and interests.”
The artists achieved their goal. Balance was evident throughout the space. Each piece flowed into the next, and if no further examination occurred, one would believe one artist was responsible. The artist statement is riveting and explains the major meaning behind the structure—balance all around. One suggestion to the artists is to give every viewer the opportunity to read the artists’ statement by posting it in the gallery. Through it is available online at melanieseeger.com, it would be beneficial to read along with the exhibit. It adds the needed explanation to the purpose of the exhibit.
