PAMELA GRAU PROJECTS
FRAGMENTS
Fragments is a visual exploration of the art of reconstruction. It is an endeavor to breathe new life into discarded remnants and weave them into a harmonious tapestry of renewed significance. This piece finds its origin in the remnants of hat felt discovered on the factory floor of my daughter’s millinery workshop, an unexpected source of inspiration and raw material.
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The repurposed felt, transformed into a delightful surface, and served as the foundation for my creative journey. I love its malleability as I layered it with plaster and paint. The magic in assembling the misshapen pieces lies in their deceptive appearance. Though initially soft and pliable, they take on the illusion of rigid metal, inviting the viewers into a world where the boundaries between materiality and imagination blur.
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In my artistic process, patinas become a storyteller—a chemical reaction to the metal pigments that imparts a sense of time and history. The gradual build-up of textures, marked by pauses and resumptions, invites viewers to unravel the layers and become entranced by the enigma embedded within each puzzle piece. This interplay of textures and patinas serves as a visual metaphor for the passage of time and the inherent beauty found in the scars of experience.
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Over time with each glance, the work evolves and reveals new dimensions of itself, beckoning to the observer to enter deeper into the experience.
FRAGMENTS
23" x 28"
mixed mediums: repurposed materials and paint
2023
FRAGMENTS
36" x 42"
mixed mediums: repurposed materials and paint
2023
PUSH
"Push" is about the transformative power of art. Initiated 12 years ago during a tumultuous period in my life marked by the profound losses of my father, the dissolution of a 30-year marriage, and the daunting presence of cancer, this piece emerged as a beacon of hope amid the storm.
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Amidst the challenges of chemotherapy, I discovered the therapeutic qualities of "Paperclay” and found solace in the tactile nature of the material. With limited energy, I began molding and shaping small pieces, each bearing the imprint of my thumb. The textures that emerged became a source of joy, and as the pieces air-dried a symbolic metamorphosis was set in motion.
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These fragments, born out of adversity, were later affixed to a panel, and put in storage. It was in 2011, a tangible representation of the tenacity inherent in the creative process. It wasn't until recently that I unearthed the panel. With renewed vigor, I revisited the piece, infusing it with new vision and renewed meaning.
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"Push" stands as the inaugural work in a larger series that I created between 2010- 2018 entitled "Strength, Beauty, and Change." This series explores the interplay between personal fortitude, aesthetic beauty, and the inevitability of change. "Push" embodies the essence of resilience and determination, symbolizing the ability to confront and overcome life's challenges.
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The act of pushing through, both physically and metaphorically, became a profound metaphor for my own journey. Through this piece, I aim to evoke a sense of empowerment and inspire others to find beauty and strength in the face of adversity. In every brushstroke and textured contour, "Push" encapsulates a narrative of personal growth, transformation, and the unwavering spirit to confront and embrace change.
PUSH
32" X 26"
mixed mediums: repurposed materials and paint
2023