Kirsten D. Pitts and Isabelle Schiavi, co-curators at the Flinn Gallery in Greenwich, explore how objects are represented and how the shapes they inhabit in space “(De)Construct,” in a new show featuring three contemporary artists at the Flinn Gallery in Greenwich. “(De)Construct” is on view until April 24.
Spring is a time of rebirth, and traveling through the gallery, one gets the sense these works reflect objects that have undergone a process of reinvention at the hands of the artists — Linda Lindroth, Ryan Sarah Murphy, and Keiko Narahashi. They work in different mediums, yet the show’s central themes of representation, abstraction, perception, and illusion tie their works together.
Lindroth uses photography of consumer packages, flattened and disassembled, to create large-scale prints. They combine the scale of abstract expressionist works with the playful optical illusions of pop art, all with underlying messages about consumer culture.
Murphy works with collage, using layered materials to create wall-mounted sculptures. Using reclaimed, brightly colored card- board boxes she finds on the street, her sculptures have architectural qualities that give them strength even as the materials suggest process and impermanence.
Narahashi’s sculptures take on a landscape quality when grouped together as mounted scenes in the center of the gallery. Narahashi begins her process with ink drawings that then are fabricated through traditional pottery methods. They are playful and colorful, some seemingly both recognizable and abstract at the same time. The result is reminiscent of a playground that invites visitors to expand their imaginations.
“(De)Construct” is visually engaging, and with works that are accessible for even the youngest gallery goers it is well worth the visit. The gallery also features an interactive corner where children can use materials similar to those used by the artists to make their own constructions. A half hour is plenty for a visit, making it a perfect activity to add to a weekend calendar or even a field trip after school.