ARTIST TALK - Chase Travaille

Exhibition Statement:

This series draws from multiple early figurative traditions- Venus figurines and Cycladic idols alike-where the body functions as a symbolic vessel rather than a portrait. Constructed by the floral shards of diverse artists, the work subverts the idea of a singular origin or unified body. Retitled as Mother Willendorf and related forms, the word mother here signifies esteem, kinship, and chosen lineage. The title mother becomes fluid and something that can be inhabited, bestowed, or recognized- much like the Venus form itself has been repeatedly reinterpreted across cultures and histories.

I chose to remix the flowers from Botticelli’s Birth of Venus painting through collage utilizing yupo paper and images of YehRim’s ceramic work to build a bridge between my pieces and hersfor this exhibition. I’ll never forget meeting YehRim back in 2020 while at the Archie Bray Foundation. Upon meeting her she introduced herself as YehRim like “Yay!” rim, with joy and a bounce to her step. She was always so kind to me and visited my studio often to check in. She hadn’t become a mother like she is now to two beautiful children, but I’d say she was always and still is Mother.

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