A Woman’s Perspective Presents: A Twisted Angle On Square

Arts | February 4th, 2015

'The Secret Vow' by Karla Gallagher | mixed media painting

By Tania Blanich

Square is a versatile word: noun, verb, adjective and adverb — a word that lends itself to slang and colloquialisms, even as it evokes a prim, four-sided, right-angled figure. No wonder the theme of “square” proved inspirational for the more than 85 artists participating in the 2015 A Woman’s Perspective on Square Visual Art Exhibition at the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead.

Viewers will be inspired as well, drawn in by the varied mediums, colors, textures, skills and insights on exhibit. The work — including paintings, sculpture, fiber art and book art — is as wide-ranging as the artists who have produced it. A painting by a high-school student from Crookston, Minn., hangs not far from quilting by a 76-year-old grandmother from Fargo. The muted abstract painting by a first-time participant from Italy is situated near works by area artists who have participated in nearly every edition of this regional arts showcase established in 1999.

Not every themed exhibit has the cohesiveness or provides viewers with the same sense of discovery as Square. Certainly, Square has its share of, well, square works of art. But shape seems to have been merely the means to enter into the theme, a point of departure rather than the end goal for the artists. For example, for the stylized painting “The Secret Vow,” Karla Gallagher (Fergus Falls, Minn.) applied cut foil paper squares to the canvas and painted using square shapes. The resulting work “is all about staying true to yourself and following your heart, your own path no matter the cost. The ‘vow’ is one you make with yourself …” stated the artist in her narrative.

While each work stands on its own, its juxtaposition with other works often provides an additional thread of meaning or interpretation. An ethereal monotype of dresses and dress patterns by Laura Youngbird (Breckenridge, Minn.) next to 12-inch traditional quilted blocks leads to contemplation of what sewing has — and now does — mean. Once it was the domain of women who had few options outside the home. But now, in the Age of Ready-Made, making something yourself is revolutionary.

One of the most moving pieces in the exhibit is the response of Freda Kay Swedberg (Fargo) to the fiber art challenge. Quilting a traditional New York Knickerbocker Star pattern from wedding dresses, she tells the bittersweet story of a marriage in 12 inches squared. She had planned to use the scraps for a quilt for the bride, but the marriage failed. The difficult-to-sew satin has puckered slightly in the quilting, and the square is no longer true, reflecting an imperfect ending to the fairy tale.

The Square Visual Art Exhibitionhas much to offer, for art-lovers and casual viewers alike. “The exhibit is inviting to enter, to scan and to study,” said AWP founder, exhibition curator and event organizer, Vicky Jo Bogart. “It's worth a visit and a stay.”

Hosted by the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, A Woman’s Perspective on Square Visual Art Exhibitionis the cornerstone of six visual art exhibits, performing and literary art, and eight workshops in Fargo and Moorhead through mid-April. In addition to the events at the Hjemkomst Center, art exhibits can be seen at Nichole’s Fine Pastry and Gallery 4 in Fargo.

IF YOU GO:

A Woman’s Perspective opening reception

Sun, Feb. 8, 1 to 4 p.m.

Hjemkomst Center, 202 First Ave. S., Moorhead

awp.handworks.org

IF YOU GO:

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