Marega Palser
dal 27/11/2008 al 10/1/2009
Segnalato da
27/11/2008
Marega Palser
Chapter Gallery, Cardiff
Samples From The Alchemical Voodoo Kitchen. In her drawings and prints, we repeatedly come across insects, bones, skulls and a female horse figure in various poses and shapes. Exploring the idea of our animal within, the subject of these works is always ambiguous and conveys a sense of vulnerability and strength: of being aroused and disturbed at the same time.
Perhaps best known for her work as part of dance/performance duo ‘Mr and Mrs Clark’, this first solo exhibition by Marega Palser (aka Mrs Clark) reveals a new side of the artist not yet seen by many. Her work defies conventional categories and expectations – it is a playful mix of prints, drawings, and kitsch - a colourful, kaleidoscopic expression of a free spirit.
In her drawings and prints, we repeatedly come across insects, bones, skulls and a female horse figure (the ‘horse gal’) in various poses and shapes (‘horse gal’ is inspired by the artist’s previous performances with a rubber horse mask). Exploring the idea of our animal within, the subject of these works is always ambiguous and conveys a sense of vulnerability and strength: of being aroused and disturbed at the same time. The artist is fascinated by the chance element inherent to printmaking and in particular, to etching. Dirt on the printing plate or an unintended scratch affects the final print and makes every new print unpredictable and unique, adding and revealing a powerful raw energy.
Other drawings and collages reflect the artist’s passion for collecting all sorts of found objects and these works evoke memories of Mexican and voodoo altars, circus performers, portraits of Hindu goddesses, as well as junk shops, car boot sales and 1960s kitsch. They are based on assemblages or shrines which the artist keeps in her house and sit "somewhere between the Funfair and the Slaughterhouse".
Marega Palser has worked as a freelance dancer, performer and choreographer since graduating from the London School of Contemporary Dance in 1985 and completed a BA degree in Fine Art (Hons) from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC) this year, specialising in printmaking. She has co-founded companies including Paradox Shuffle, SumoSaki, and has worked with many artists, musicians, theatre companies and film makers both in this country and abroad.
Her work has been shown in various group shows, including ‘International Student Work’, Today Art Museum, Beijing, China, 2008; ‘National Artist Book Fair’, Seoul, South Korea, 2008; ‘Student Group Show’, Cole & Co, Cardiff, 2008; ‘Walk the Line’, TactileBosch, Cardiff, 2007 and ‘The Joy of Kitsch’, Oriel Myrddin Gallery, Carmarthen, 2003.
http://www.mrandmrsclark.co.uk
opening on Friday 28 November
Chapter Gallery
Market Road, CF5 1QE - Cardiff
Free admission