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On Exhibit
Now
through September 23, 2007 visitors to the Barnwell Garden and Art
Center will enjoy 31 stunning creations from the exhibition, “Women of
Destiny” which explores the ancient art of batik. The talented artist in
this exhibition, Patricia Mason, began perfecting this medium as a part
of her thesis study which she completed in 2006. It is also Manson’s
pursuit of a personal painting style and form of expression. Also
exhibiting at the Barnwell Center in the Corridor Gallery is the work of
Karen Harrington. Harrington will show a selection of batiks and
watercolors to compliment the work. An opening reception is planned for
Sunday, August 19 from 2-4 pm.
Batik is the art of decorating cloth by using wax and dye. To make batik, selected areas of cloth are covered with hot wax and then, once dry, the cloth is dyed. The parts covered with wax resist the dye and retain the original color of the cloth. This process can be repeated several times to create elaborate and colorful designs. Once the final dyeing process is complete, the wax is removed and the cloth is then ready to wear, or to display.
Mason captures beautifully the exquisite nature of traditional batik art from China, Java, Japan, Africa and Indonesia in this exhibition. Due to independent developments as well as cultural exchanges between countries, contemporary batik can include a range of styles and media; however the traditional batik technique is still also produced. This exhibition displays examples of batik from the classic to contemporary.
Included in the Women of Destiny show are 17 works in a series of portraits of female subjects. “The objective of creating likenesses of figures in hot wax and dye was probably the most difficult content goal that I could undertake,” states Mason. Mason mastered the challenge of her undertaking as is evident in this beautiful display of work.
The exhibition will be complemented by a series of batik events which
include an all-day workshop on Saturday, September 8 from 9 am-3pm; a
limited number of gallery walks with discussion and hands on workshops
for high school art students that are supported in part by a grant from
the Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s Regrant Program; and school tours
of the exhibition. To register for the batik workshop or to schedule a
school tour, call (318) 673-7703.