Urban Organic Absurdity
Stephanie Jonsson, Artist in Residence

Stephanie Jonsson’s work is a paradox; a reaction to the absence of nature in our increasingly urban culture. She is captivated by the idea of nature, the notion of the organic, and the appearance of fluid, open forms. This perception suggests a model for a world that is governed naturally and intuitively, employing organic structuring to function the way nature does. A stream will always take the easiest path.

Initially, her work seems to mimic nature and its processes. The fractal and floral patterns reference nature's attention to detail and unique yet dissimilar forms. These irregular, self-similar designs imitate the delicate, random patterns left by the flow of nature; conjuring imagery of, perhaps, the vein of a leaf, a crack in a frozen pool of ice, or the structuring of a spider web.

Though it may appear organic and natural, Stephanie’s work is made with the same production techniques that commercial industry utilizes – steel, ceramic, and textiles. Her sculpture is not environmentally friendly, rather, it reflects our culture's obsession with image, appearance, and fabricated “natural” designs. There is a lack of attention towards the often simplistic and practical way that nature actually operates. Similar to the decorative, floral-inspired forms of Art Nouveau, these highly stylized shapes provide a modern-day voice of dissent to our contemporary urban environment.

Although her work makes allusions to plant life, underwater sea creatures, or reproductive anatomy; its strength is in its ambiguity and interpretative potential. She avoids accurately depicting any one thing, aiming to encourage unique associations from each viewer. A strong reference to underwater imagery provides a metaphor for the very same unconscious mental processes that are in action when making these associations. Unconscious motivations drive the human attraction to seemingly “natural” mass-produced products or images that capitalize on our need to re-connect with nature.

Jonsson is not attempting to convey a solution to the multitude of problems that our environment faces, but rather to call attention to this curious cultural trend in hopes that a greater awareness will emerge on an individual level.

Exhibition Date: October 16 to November 15, 2008
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 16, 7 to 10pm
Artist Talk: Saturday, October 18, 1pm in the Gallery

gallery   Shantael Sleight   Gloria Mok

Stephanie Jonsson's Website