Saturday, 15 June 2013

a ten-minute break with ingrid mayrhofer

As previously mentioned (click here for a reminder) 401 Richmond offers a plethora of cultural opportunities throughout its galleries and studios. A Space Gallery is not exception. Their A Space Windows Gallery offers a unique space for remarkable installations. These four windows in the hallway can easily transport you into quality, contemplative time.
A few days ago, while rushing through the building to get to the studio, I was stopped on my tracks by the current installation. A Space Windows demands a few minutes of your time to appreciate and absorb what artist Ingrid Mayrhofer offers to the viewer in her show Undefined (up until July 13).
© Ingrid Mayrhofer.
Immediately catching the eye are the ingenious vignettes she creates for each window, the designs on the wall in a place of hierarchy, creating the perfect prelude to the focal points, which (in my opinion, of course) happen to be the cobwebs. I was certain these designs were printed on wall paper, but after contacting the artist, she corrected my assumption by telling me the designs had been directly printed on the wall using vintage rollers which had belonged to her grandmother.
© Ingrid Mayrhofer.
The artwork allows its audience to establish connections, offering a new way to ponder on the passing of time and all testimonies left behind. From A Space Windows description: "Rolled patterns on walls were fashionable in rural areas as they compensated for uneven stonewalls, and could easily be painted over. Mayrhofer’s grandmother passed her talent and tools for applying the rollers on to the artist."
My favourite visual elements within the composition: The patterns. The designs are remarkable, and what I seem to appreciate the most about them is the scale, perfect for its end use. These vintage designs (which are thought to be from the 1950's) are reminiscent of Marlis Saunders*, which within the time-line, perfectly correspond to the mid 20th century style.
© Ingrid Mayrhofer.
  
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*Marlis Saunders work was recently exhibited at the Design Exchange.
-These ten-minute breaks need to become part of a series.

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