There are some exciting new artists coming to the Ranger Station Art Gallery. The Kent Harrison Arts Council is pleased to show the work of M.A.Tateishi (Mary Anne) for the upcoming month, and will also introduce their new artist in residence, Aimée Henny Brown.
As September’s featured artist, M.A.Tateishi will display brand new work, none of which has been exhibited before. The concept for the show is “every part of the buffalo,” which she says refers to the idea that the First Nations people wasted nothing when they hunted.
Her excavation paintings in particular, three of which will be on display in Harrison, take months to complete, as they require painting on paper layers, one atop the other.
“When I tear away the layers, I end up with a painting on the wall and a piece of textured paper in my hand,” says Tateishi. “This art is simple, bright, and sunny.”
The show will also include some prints, which offers people an inexpensive way to begin collecting art.
Tateishi says she is inspired by all things visual, such as a colorful billboard or the stark contrast between a lime sweater tossed on an orange chair. Since she works in layers, she considers her work like many paintings combined into one, with the vibrant world around her serving as a kick-start for her imagination.
“When I tear back my layers, I’m never sure what the final piece will look like,” says Tateishi. “This random quality is what the human eye likes, since our gaze passes over the perfect.”
This is Tateishi’s first show outside of a big city, and because of that she is particularly excited to showcase her work to Harrison.
“Abstract art allows everyone to have his or her own reaction,” she says. “I notice that we are hardwired to look for objects and stories in the art, but that is what the viewer brings to the work. If someone comes away feeling happy or energized, that would be perfect.”
Also showing her work is new artist in residence, Aimée Henny Brown, who is excited to use the history of Harrison and Agassiz to inspire her work over the next year.
“I’m looking forward to hearing stories, meeting local community members, and expanding my understanding of the area,” says Brown. “I am a research hound, so I tend to let the exploration phase of my studio work really guide the final results – process is paramount.”
Brown hopes people are able to experience her work through their senses. From hand bound books, drawings, printed matte, installations and performances, she tends to investigate the site she is working with in order to bring the art, and the feelings it provokes, to the forefront.
“The sounds and scents, geography, topography and history of a place become very important to determining what will happen in my artistic practice,” says Brown, who will use Harrison as her backdrop and inspiration for the next year.
Opening reception for Tateishi's show will be held on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. The show will include a chance to meet the new artist in residence, Aimée Henny Brown.