JESSICA MEDITZ
Life & Arts Editor
Marion Art Gallery’s newest exhibit, “Contrasts in Clay,” is the embodiment of minimalism and complex artistry in the most intimate of settings.
Sculptors Kwok-Pong “Bobby” Tso and Susan Beiner come to Fredonia from different experiences and walks of life to sport their individual, unique styles of art — producing an intriguing, contrasting effect to each visitor.
Upon walking into the space, visitors cannot help but be drawn to the sumptuous display of botanical structures that adorn the walls.
These pieces are the works of Susan Beiner, a mixed media ceramic artist whose work has seen plenty of the U.S., as well as international borders. She is currently based in Phoenix, AZ. and works as an assistant professor of art at Arizona State University.
The inspiration for her work “stems from [my] interest in 18th century European porcelains. [I] began translating the painted surface of these vessels into layers of encrusted form and color,” she said in her biography for her website.
Due to its size and ornate presence in the room, her sculpture titled “Synthetic Reality” immediately caught my eye.
This piece, as well as a good portion of the rest of her work, is made of porcelain, foam and wood.
A few steps down were two more especially lovely pieces of hers, titled “Unintended Consequences” and “Dark Drop.”
I admired these pieces because they were displayed adjacent to one another, and the contrasting difference between the white and black coloring is nearly impossible to resist staring at.
These sculptures were created five years apart, so it makes you wonder if perhaps the more recent one was intended to act as a sequel to the first, if they were placed next to each other purposely or if they’re even related at all.
Speaking of ambiguity and relating pieces, Bobby Tso’s artwork provides both of those elements for his audience.
Originally from Hong Kong, Tso is based in the midwestern part of the U.S., having earned his B.F.A. from Northwest Missouri State University, and his M.F.A from the University of Iowa. He works as an assistant professor of art at Washburn University in Topeka, KS.
In addition to being an artist, Tso describes himself as an “object maker.”
This self description holds true as the majority of his compositions resemble everyday objects, a good portion of them taking influence from vintage factory machinery.
Tso’s artwork, “Motionality Version 2” is simultaneously simple and complex.
The piece is composed of clay, wood, plastics and metals and features circular panels with several threadlike structures conjoining them.
It appears to be a modern parallel to an early 20th century sewing machine — which would not be an unreasonable interpretation as Tso said he has a great appreciation for history.
Along with history, Tso said another important aspect to his work is “the relationship between humans and everyday objects, as well as the relationship between one object to another.”
He also said that he purposely makes his work a bit childish and up for the viewer of the piece to decide what it means to them.
Although the appearances of Beiner and Tso’s compositions completely differ physically, the one thing that bridges them together is the artistic, strategic usage of clay and other fine materials.
“Contrasts in Clay” will remain in Marion Art Gallery through March 8, so there is plenty of time to catch it before it’s too late.
Excluding Mondays, the gallery is open from noon to 4 p.m. during the week. Friday and Saturday hours are noon to 6 p.m.
The exhibit is free and open to the public.