Patricia Clark: A Matter of Circumstances

Pa tr i c i a C l a rk A Matter of Circumstances

bruno david gallery

PATRICIA CLARK A Matter of Circumstances

February 16 - April 6, 2018 Bruno David Gallery 7513 Forsyth Boulevard Saint Louis, Missouri 63105, U.S.A. info@brunodavidgallery.com www.brunodavidgallery.com Owner/Director: Bruno L. David This catalogue was published in conjunction with the exhibition “Patricia Clark: A Matter of Circumstances” at Bruno David Gallery.

Editor: Bruno L. David Catalogue Designer: Helen Fox Designer Assistant: Claudia David Printed in USA All works courtesy of Patricia Clark and Bruno David Gallery Photographs by Bruno David Gallery Cover image: Within Distance, 2018 Acrylic on canvas 16 x 20 inches (40.64 x 50.80 cm) First Edition Copyright © 2018 Bruno David Gallery All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of Bruno David Gallery

CONTENTS

REFLECTIONS ON PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS AND SCULPTURES FROM 2016 THROUGH 2018

BY PATRICIA CLARK

AFTERWORD

BY BRUNO L. DAVID

CHECKLIST AND IMAGES OF THE EXHIBITION BIOGRAPHY

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REFLECTIONS ON PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS AND SCULPTURES FROM 2016 THROUGH 2018

By Patricia Clark

This body of work shows a result of experimentation in different mediums to interpret experiences I have had over time. It consists of sculptures, paintings, drawings and prints. It expresses my desire to create art that stimulates thoughts and emotions and creates dialogue. Through dialogue and communication, it can promote learning and mutual understanding. As a black woman I want to express how important it is to continue moving forward in a positive way despite barriers we face.

My work is tied to my culture, the inspirations of other artists past and present, the love of nature, family, and the experiences in my life. Throughout my research, a term intersectionality is important to discuss and defines the very essence of many of the challenges faced by African American women artist. The intersectionality of oppression affects black female artist in different ways depending on the characteristics of their circumstances.

As a way to communicate these characteristics the subject matters of my work are created in metaphoric and figurative gestures and colors. A series of paintings and sculptures have been created in several different mediums. I chose plaster gauze, self-hardening clays and welded steel for the sculptures. I chose oils acrylics and mixed media gesso primed surfaces with charcoal powder and pencils for paintings and two-dimensional works. In creating the wrapped figures, the positions of the heads in the paintings were important with some looking up giving the figures a hopeful impression of victory over victimization.

In painting the wrapped figures, a decision was made during earlier paintings to use muted mixed tints and shades that did not distract from the subject and gave emphasis of the faces and central

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figures. Some of the paintings give a suggestion of atmosphere and dark and faded backgrounds.

Many of the wrapped figures have hints of background are with muted colors that playoff of the color’s in the wrappings. Dark and light backgrounds were chosen depending on the impact the figures were having as they evolved through the painting process. Working through each project, choices were spontaneous and based on what worked for each individual painting. Through the process questions are continued to be asked of color, value background and proportion. As the project progresses’ stepping back and observing the emotional and phycological impact each piece is giving out helps to determine the time to stop and decide completion. Questions and comments were made about the way some of the paintings show signs of weak defeated women. Questions were asked because of the long and constant historical struggles that black women have endured and perceptions to portray black women in an image of strength or with the ability to withstand physical and emotional pain or handle anything with super human strength. The premise of the argument is to state that many of the figurative paintings represent a source of strength and show the fact that black women are human beings. We can show vulnerabilities and fragilities which do not distract but emphasize our humanity.

Many of the wrapped figures can be interpreted as metaphors for the characteristics of mental illness and unseen inner challenges many black women struggle with it on a daily basis. With these paintings and drawings, it is the desire to touch as many as possible and help women to possibly identify with the messages that the paintings convey. The wrapped figures may give an impression of mummies and to some the long-dreaded images of slavery that so many people want to look away from. Questions come to mind about the repetitive oppressive look of the works but the true desire is for the viewer to look deeper to see more. It is created to inspire everyone to have positive and hopeful solutions to circumstances in their lives. I hope to communicate a universal message and erase some of the barriers of inequality through dialogue and understanding.

This text is one in a series of the gallery’s exhibitions written by fellow gallery artists and friends.

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AFTERWORD

BY BRUNO L. DAVID

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I am pleased to present a new exhibition titled “A Matter of Circumstances” by St. Louis-based artist Patricia Clark at the Bruno David Gallery. This is the artist’ first solo exhibition with the gallery.

This series of paintings and drawings done from 2015 to 2018 are metaphorical and figurative gestures of freeing oneself from the restrictions and burdens of the constant struggles African American women must face in their daily lives. The wrapped figures are a metaphor for events and circumstances in our lives that suppress and stop us from achieving our true potential. These obstacles can also be inner fears and doubts about our abilities to free ourselves from oppressive situations.

We must continue to encourage one another to make positive changes in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Patricia was born in St. Louis where she continues to live and work. She received her BFA at San Francisco State University. Her career focused on education in the arts which she received her certification in K-12th grade art from the University of Missouri St. Louis. She devoted many years teaching middle school art in numerous after school and summer programs. She tutored students through organizations including Sylvan Learning Center and taught after school art for Center of Creative Arts, she also taught briefly as part time adjunct at Webster University. Patricia is currently completing her Master’s Degree at Webster University- St. Louis.

Support for the creation of significant new works of art has been the core to the mission and program of the Bruno David Gallery since its founding in 2005. I am deeply grateful to Helen Fox, who gave much time, talent, and expertise to the production of this catalogue. Invaluable gallery staff support for the exhibition was provided by Cleo Azariadis, Ruoyi Gan, Haleigh Givens, Thomas Fruhauf, Peter Finley, and Helen Fox.

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CHECKLIST & IMAGES OF THE EXHIBITION

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Wrapped Up 2016 oil on canvas 24 x 22 inches (60.96 x 55.88 cm)

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Feeling of Freedom 2018 Acrylic on canvas 20 x 16 inches (50.8 x 40.64 cm)

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Rain Down 2016 Acrylic on canvas 20 x 16 inches (50.8 x 40.64 cm)

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Breaking Free 2017 Acrylic on canvas 44 x 36 inches (111.76 x 91.44 cm)

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A Valid Presence 2018 Acrylic on canvas 20 x 16 inches (50.8 x 40.64 cm)

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Within Distance 2018 Acrylic on canvas 16 x 20 inches (40.64 x 50.8 cm)

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Inner Thoughts 2018 Oil on canvas 20 x 16 inches (50.8 x 40.64 cm)

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We Strive 2015 Oil Pastel on paper 24 x 18 inches (60.96 x 45.72 cm)

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Triumphant 2016 Oil on canvas 24 x 18 inches (60.96 x 45.72 cm)

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We Stand Together 2018 Oil on canvas 44 x 34 inches (111.76 x 86.36 cm)

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Patricia Clark: A Matter of Circumstances (installation view)

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Patricia Clark: A Matter of Circumstances (installation view)

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Patricia Clark: A Matter of Circumstances (installation view)

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ARTISTS Laura Beard Heather Bennett Lisa K. Blatt Michael Byron Bunny Burson Judy Child Patricia Clark Carmon Colangelo Alex Couwenberg Jill Downen Yvette Drury Dubinsky Damon Freed Douglass Freed

Michael Jantzen Kelley Johnson Howard Jones (Estate) Chris Kahler Xizi Liu Kahlil Robert Irving Bill Kohn (Estate) Leslie Laskey Yvonne Osei Patricia Olynyk Gary Passanise Judy Pfaff

Charles P. Reay Daniel Raedeke Tom Reed Frank Schwaiger Charles Schwall Christina Shmigel Thomas Sleet Shane Simmons Buzz Spector Cindy Tower Ann Wimsatt Monika Wulfers

Ellen Jantzen

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