THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
Through the Looking Glass is an escape from the disorientation of our current world of shifting sands - a global pandemic on a scale not seen for over a century, world-wide isolation and depression, and a (now previous) unprecedented circus of a government that made our heads spin every single day. And while these pieces are meant to provide some escape, many also subtly draw attention to the depth of systemic racism and injustice in our country. For a deeper explanation of individual artworks, see my Instagram page @Carole.Landisman.
My visual interpretation uses “multi-chrome” pigments (traditionally used for car paints and cosmetics) separated in depth by layers of glossy acrylic media. In this manner, the viewer can look through the glass-like layers that sparkle and change as they move around and past the piece (NOTE: there are multiple images of each piece demonstrating some of the color changes seen from different angles and illumination). These changes in appearance speak to the malleability of our perception and it’s sensitivity to context. Finally, each artwork is anchored by a geometric 3D “stamp”: both a nod to the signatures of Japanese calligraphy, pottery and artwork, as well as an entry point into the surrounding diffuse swirling colors.