When you enter YQI, you are greeting by a colorful mural:
How the artwork manifested only came into being after having interacted with those at YQI. The mural is far more collaborative in nature than what I habitually produce, offering a sea-change from my usual solitary studio practice, much more in keeping with the collective methodology in operation at the institute. I had input as to the ramifications of the visual elements in process, I had skilled technical support, I had remote fabrication of the final work, all new experiences. I was -unusual for me- uneasy up until the installer finished his last burnishing stroke and we saw it in situ, shining in the light of the lobby, a reflected glow shimmering along the floor. Without risk nothing creatively special really ever happens, and I wanted to give the institute something special.
The artwork is a part of Martha’s series of ‘Branes, (membranes) made of ink and gouache on crumpled paper, then photographically rendered and digitally printed on vinyl. Photo by Luke Hanscom/Lotta Studios.