Transmutation of Place and Placelessness

“Transmutation of Place and Placelessness” is a local plant fiber paper sculptural exhibit organized by Naomi Halpern where humanoid forms have been cast and molded using locally harvested plant fibers, formed around wire armature, and illuminated like lanterns. The work is rooted in the papermaking process itself: papermaking is an alchemical transmutation where fibers are observed, harvested, stripped, cooked, beaten, re-hydrated, and re-formed. The meditation of being in this process–and in relationship with local fibers, environment, and lifeways– is the true art and sculpture here.

The paper-lantern sculptures are an anthropomorphization of space, where the body of the sculpture is made of processed local plant fibers, but the heart of the sculpture is the void space, illuminated within the paper cast, and the light shining through the paper. As people we often understand ourselves through metaphors of the world around us, and understand the world through metaphors of the human. This exhibit explores the contemplations of who we are, as individuals, as a community, in relationship with each other and the world(s) we inhabit.

An exhibit of paper samples made using different processes and various local fibers accompany the sculptures. The sample paper materials range from seaweed, to local cordage fibers like nettle and dogbane, to introduced plants like Armenian blackberry. Papermaking can also be a highly communal art and I have invited my community to participate in all aspects of this harvest-sculpture project. I give my gratitude to them.

Opening debut at the Arcana Fashion Show, October 4th from 6pm-8pm. Shop hours are Wed-Fri 12-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, and Sun 11am-4pm.

Host or Publisher Naomi Halpern