MAELSTRÖM (noun) 1. Whirlpool 2. Turbulent or violent situation
Synonyms: Turbulence, Tumult, Scramble, Frenzy, Vortex
2015 Solo Exhibition with 3 live performances at Saranac Art Projects Spokane, Washington
This body of work was both conceived & created during many bouts of personal storms. Many bad decisions were made – the worst of the work was edited out of the gallery. The things left are silly & contemplative and crass just like me.
There are works made with remnants of foods that were consumed in my presence and at my expense. There are items and materials that make me happy to touch and smell, as well as things that are repellant on more than a tangible level. I sought inspiration from artists whose works have moved me deeply in my life and hope to encourage you, viewer to seek out this work that is difficult and confusing at times while you engage in my interpretation of the process and materials that preceded me.
I am most proud to explore the body as media further in the three performances that I will present in this space. Please come and be a part of these works as they will not exist without your participation/intervention. Challenge yourself to see the language of contemporary visual art in a manner not solely based in beauty but rather a means of contemplating the state of your being.
Can you be vulnerable in a public setting?
Will you incite acts of violence or compassion?
How do you respond to things you cannot translate in words?
Thank you for looking.
Bernadette Vielbig
Saturday May 9th: Dance Theremin 2-6 PM
Saturday May 16th: Poke it With a Stick 2-6 PM
Saturday May 30th: Eat it or Throw it 2-6 PM
video clips of performance works will be posted soon
How to Deconstruct a Big Noise 2015, Found & altered piano keys, wood stain, birch face plywood, hemlock, hardware. Collection of Lisa Nappa & Roger Ralston.
Maelstrom, 2015 found & altered interior piano key parts, birch face plywood, stain, hemlock, hardware, string. Available in Store.
B -E - A - D, 2015 found & altered piano key parts, pine, oak, hardware. Collection of Margo Casstevens & Kurt Madison.
. Graces: War. Peace. Health. Happiness. 2015
Vintage spice jars, lazertran, found and harvested objects. Collection of Jo Quetch, Spokane, WA
Elixirs: Great Horned Owl Tears. 100% Wild Harvested Coyote Urine. Unicorn Tears. 2015
altered glass bottles filled with elixirs & labeled with lazertran.
Throne a Spokane Self Portrait, 2003-2015found & restored chair, vinyl, paint, ass print, chicken bones collected from art patrons that ate wings at my last exhibition with Lorinda Knight Gallery in 2008. Collection of Todd Rattray Spokane, WA
Scenes in gallery for performances, 'Eat it or Throw it' - for Felix, (middle left) 'Poke it With a Stick' - for Marina, (foreground) & 'Dance Theremin' ( back wall ). Video clips to follow soon..
Detail, Wall of Sticks for 'Poke it With A Stick' performance piece.