Once again Bouncing Puppy Press was running around Atlanta this past weekend checking out what the artists and galleries decided to show the world, because, well, we still like art. This time another friend and colleague by the name of Natalie Hudson presented her graduate thesis show Communication Breakdown.
This body of work was an investigation into the deterioration of relationships through time, miscommunication, and distance. The main wall was littered with framed artifacts of destruction, physical manifestations of the degradation of a copper plate's surface through repeated abuse. The public was encouraged to relive the creation of these works by throwing christmas ornaments into a plate prepared with soft ground. This same plate was repeatedly broken down and etched twenty-six times recreating a lifetime of degrading relationships.
Around the corner a series of interactive works were included where the viewers were encouraged to destroy, damage, or otherwise vandalize objects that most of us hold dear to our hearts. A family photo album was presented filled with mementos meant to be torn apart and hidden. A crocheted blanket was hung on display for the participants to unravel, cut, and even burn. Between these two interactive pieces was a mailbox, which infuriatingly fired letters back onto the floor each time it was filled. All the while the artist perpetually cleaned and tried to keep the space organized.
I've seen Natalie's work before, but none of that prepared me for how effective it was up on the walls at the B Complex. The work was simultaneously extremely personal, while accessible to the public through the interactive pieces. That is no easy task to accomplish, and I highly recommend that anyone who hasn't experienced this show to make the trip out to the B complex and see it.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=200949443276715
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