 Elements of Nature:
Selections from the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation |
Charles Arnoldi, Impound, 1985, acrylic and branches on plywood, 92 x 154 x 11in. Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation, Los Angeles. |
The works in this exhibition reveal the ability of art to interpret, replicate, and reimagine the natural world. Some artists authentically depict the ephemeral beauty of the landscape, while others draw from nature to create their own fantasy environments. By constructing works from natural materials such as tree branches, artists like Charles Arnoldi and James Bachman are able to convey their personal visions while paying homage to the intrinsic beauty of the wilderness. Others capture the elusive aspects of nature through more tangible mediums, as in Srdjan Loncar’s clouds or Linda Ridgway’s bronze leaves, which never deteriorate due to environmental factors.
The exhibition investigates the ways in which man and nature interact. It demonstrates a range of approaches to the subject, from the degradation of the environment through pollution and the depletion of resources to the impact of natural disasters upon society. The splendors of untouched nature as well as its destructive powers are explored with equal reverence. While California artist Lita Albuquerque explores the spiritual aspects of the cosmos, Louisiana artist Dawn Dedeaux takes inspiration from her immediate environment by exploring how severe atmospheric conditions have impacted New Orleans.
The international collection of artists explore diverse aspects of the natural environment, inspired by personal experiences as well as universal concepts. While the exhibition brings together perspectives from many areas of the world, such as Japan and Germany, a number of Southern California artists are represented by responding to their regional environment. The unique landscape, climate and culture of Los Angeles have continued to inspire the work of Joe Goode and Ed Ruscha.
The works in this exhibition awaken an awareness of nature in everyday life. From images of vast landscapes to simple piles of leaves, each composition explores an aspect of the environment that allows greater insight into the complex relationship between man and nature. Viewing the world through the unique perspective of the artist, it is possible to explore the power and beauty of the environment and rethink our relationship to it.
The exhibition investigates the ways in which man and nature interact. It demonstrates a range of approaches to the subject, from the degradation of the environment through pollution and the depletion of resources to the impact of natural disasters upon society. The splendors of untouched nature as well as its destructive powers are explored with equal reverence. While California artist Lita Albuquerque explores the spiritual aspects of the cosmos, Louisiana artist Dawn Dedeaux takes inspiration from her immediate environment by exploring how severe atmospheric conditions have impacted New Orleans.
The international collection of artists explore diverse aspects of the natural environment, inspired by personal experiences as well as universal concepts. While the exhibition brings together perspectives from many areas of the world, such as Japan and Germany, a number of Southern California artists are represented by responding to their regional environment. The unique landscape, climate and culture of Los Angeles have continued to inspire the work of Joe Goode and Ed Ruscha.
The works in this exhibition awaken an awareness of nature in everyday life. From images of vast landscapes to simple piles of leaves, each composition explores an aspect of the environment that allows greater insight into the complex relationship between man and nature. Viewing the world through the unique perspective of the artist, it is possible to explore the power and beauty of the environment and rethink our relationship to it.
