In the show, entitled Dichotomy, at SPARK Gallery, the magical work of Lydia Brokaw brings together found objects, both natural and manufactured and literally weaves a new way of looking at the world. There is an old axiom that art is everywhere, many may see this as a quaint statement at best, but Brokaw embraces it and forces the viewer to look at the seemingly insignificant in fresh ways.
Brokaw considers herself a collector and as she explores trails or city streets, any object can catch her eye - a seedpod, a rusted section of a chain, or simply a rock and she sees something others cannot. There are times she will find something but does not know how to use it, so she “sit with them” until she can understand the way they should be used.
In the main gallery of SPARK, there is stunning piece entitled Pod Medallion. Here Brokaw as connected seed pods through coiled basketry with small rope and thread. This large collection of pods is set against a deep red background and invokes an almost primordial connection to the earth, the pods are obviously organic, yet the hand-made coiled basketry treatment enhances their fluidity.
In the center of the space there are several small pieces accompanied by eloquent sketches. The small objects are no more than a few inches in size and invite the viewer to observe them closely. Brokaw calls these little piece minims talismans. The name comes from the smallest members of an ant colony, important yet small (minims) and talismans which gives the objects power. Small and thought provoking the minims talismans indeed holds a power larger than their size.
Seeing the beauty in objects is a gift of an artists and Brokaw helps the viewer to see the beauty in objects sometimes taken for granted but once she meshes and combines, magical worlds are revealed.
The show closes July 17, 2011.
720-889-2200
900 Santa Fe Drive
Denver, CO 80204
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