Code-Mixing

September 4 – November 9, 2014
Project Space

Featuring Caroline Santa

ARTIST STATEMENT:

“My work is recording the history of itself. All of the work was once my past work, carrying a separate impetus, meaning, and context. I edit by removing sections that are no longer concurrent with my evolving visual language. First, I make compulsory mixed media drawings on paper. They are usually about spaces, shapes, patterns, and colors. Later, the drawings are cut, ripped, crossed out, or painted over in order to make them part of my visual language. I have piles, stacks, folders, boxes, and various tangled messes in my studio that contain my ever-growing repertoire of units. These units can be arranged in a myriad of different poses and combinations.

The material that becomes my work is an ever-expanding catalogue that is constantly changing. I do not usually attach or adhere elements together as I work. I record possibilities with a camera, but there is a chance that next time the paper might lay differently, or I may find a different solution. In this way, the work is performative.

My pieces are either presented as piles on the floor, hung on the wall, or waist-high on tables (like books or maps). They could be art or just mysterious piles of paper. This humble quality is paramount to my work. The vulnerability of paper is important to me-it’s immediacy, and flexibility. It’s not necessarily an art material. Paper records time through accidental marks, tears, or wrinkles. Many of my works do not stay the same over time, as it is almost impossible to store large pieces of paper pristinely. Instead of fighting this, I embrace it.”

For more information please visit Caroline Santa’s website.