Layers

Abstract

Artist's statement: "The motifs of abstract organ-like figures are repeated to show an expanded view of the inside of the yellow form, to imply how these images are representative of anatomy. Although only a few of these motifs are depicted, these 'organs' appear exponential, as they mimic Russian Dolls. This painting has an abstract composition which takes from shadow and transparency ideas from my Perception class is inspired by the quirky, clunky depictions of biology textbook illustrations. Layers of transparency and pattern frame the yellow organ-figure. These 'films' react when they’re overlaid by either saturating or desaturating the base color. From there, the painting brings the inside of the organ to the exterior through these planes, allowing the viewer to further examine the details of the interior and to help give a lifelike quality to these forms. This lifelike quality is contrasted by the flatness of space and select organs within the painting, although others appear to be rendered in a shallow 3-dimensionality. These elements of the painting show a tension between hard line and the hand, which is not yet quite resolved in this piece. This painting as a whole brings about the question that I am faced with frequently in my work, 'how do I take biological forms and make them art?' This is a question that has yet to be resolved in my work. The goal of this work has been to marry the biological and the decorative, which reflects my personal struggle to combine my interests in both art and neuroscience. This is a problem that I’m continuing to address in my ongoing work."

This is a digital photograph of Malerie McDowell's still life painting. It was submitted as an assignment in the spring 2016 Intermediate/Advanced Painting class taught by Professor Erin Harmon.