St. Thomas Aquinas College’s Azarian McCullough Art Gallery will be featuring the works of Natalie Tyler. The exhibit opens on September 4th and runs through September 23rd. A reception for the artist is scheduled for Thursday, September 13, from 4:30 – 6:30 pm. A short gallery talk will be given at 5:30 that evening.
Ms. Tyler's sculptural works are visually striking, particularly those that contrast color against texture. Such dramatic combinations can be seen in her "Bird Nest" and “Birdcage” series. These works place brightly colored crystalline "eggs" or "doves" into rough metal nests or cages.
Tyler's mixed media installation,”Diapause” similarly contrasts golden, gelatinous “cocoons” (made of Japanese rice paper) with constricting cords (made of grape vines). A section of the gallery is dedicated to these works which are illuminated and equipped with motion detectors.
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The meaning behind Tyler's works are explained by the artist as metaphors for various stages in the life cycle: initially, the fragility of living forms in their infancy (Nests); later, the emotional, philosophical and physical challenges of a life unfolding (Diapause); and still later, the chance for a developed life to overcome whatever restraints (physical, psychological, sociological, etc.) in order to achieve its unique potential (Birdcages).
A fourth and fifth series reference the end of the life cycle: "Girasoli" reflects periods of nature’s decay and reclamation in the forms of desiccated sunflowers. "Anywhere, USA" references societal decay in the form of decrepit sheds, houses and barns.
