My solo exhibition “Framed by Appearance” at the Lionel Rombach Gallery at the University of Arizona is finished, but a podcast of my artist’s talk is available for viewing on YouTube. In the video I discuss the Heads of State series, Famous Facial Hair series, Obsession and the View from the Other Side.
A month long trip to Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, India overwhelmed my senses and provided tremendous inspiration. I was thoroughly charmed by the people, awed by the archaeological sites, amazed at the workmanship of the crafts and miniature paintings, and speechless in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu which were covered with carvings and alive with color. The expressions of faith encompassed all the senses and outsiders were welcome.
One of the most popular gods in the Hindu religion is the elephant headed Ganesh, who is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Small statues of Ganesh are mounted above or beside doorways. Larger images can be found in temples and smaller altars. My first image created upon my return, English Wallpaper Becomes Ganesha, is a print dedicated to the strength and resiliency of Indian culture. Later prints, for example Charge/Discharge, have not so obviously drawn on Indian imagery but utilize colors and concepts related to India and Hinduism. I look forward to exploring and incorporating my thoughts and experiences on this wonderful culture in future artworks.
screenprint, 29” x 22”, copyright Kathryn Maxwell 2009
screenprint, 29” x 22”, copyright Kathryn Maxwell 2009
