Clothing Chronicles: Biography in Very Mixed Media

Recent mixed media pieces by Bonnie Meltzer

Beet Gallery
NW 18 and Lovejoy
Portland, Oregon

Now through June 27, 2009
Last day informal artist’s talk Saturday, June 27 at 3:00pm

Below, Packed Clothes, by Bonnie Meltzer.

In this new body of work, Bonnie Meltzer ponders our connections to clothes in a series of mixed media constructions. Wood cut-outs embellished with found objects, crocheted wire and text are in the shape of garments — a brownie uniform, a prom dress, a band uniform. Another part of this series about clothes takes a new form for the artist: actual articles of clothing — ties, underwear, uniforms, ballet shoes — become part of paintings on canvas. Although some of the pieces use way more paint than she normally does and that eight of the works are on canvas they are still sculptural. The clothing, often rumpled, and found objects add a sculptural quality.

Our memories are jogged by old garments. Conversely, thoughts of the past often lead us to think about what people wore. Personal stories are told with clothes but they are entwined with the era in which we live. In our mind’s eye clothing becomes a visual shorthand to a particular era evoking all the stories — the personal and the values, virtues, customs and even politics of that time period.

Garments came from her own collection but they were offered from friends and family as well. Other Portland Open Studios artists found, lent and gave her clothes to use for this project. Conversations with them brought ideas and other perspectives. She asked Portland Open Studios artist Sabina Haque, “What did you bring from Pakistan when you moved here?” “Everything”, which is evident if you see Sabina’s paintings filled with portraits in traditional dress. In Packed Clothes Meltzer thought about bringing clothes with you when you emigrate and the buying of exotic garments on a trip. Each is filled with emotional baggage.

On the last day of the exhibition she will give a gallery talk. She will weave the stories that inspired these particular works into tales of costume history. And there will be a chance for you to tell your clothes stories.

Read more about this exhibit online at Boom magazine.

For more information about Beet Gallery, see http://www.beetgallery.com.

To learn more about Bonnie Meltzer and her work, see her website at http://www.bonniemeltzer.com.