Seth Clark’s latest exhibition, “Passing Through” at Paradigm Gallery + Studios, presents a compelling evolution in his exploration of architectural decay. Known for his intricate collages of dilapidated houses, Clark now introduces a remarkable element: limbs. This innovative addition transforms his signature jumbled compositions, imbuing the architectural forms with a sense of dynamic motion and playful energy. His work, characterized by crumbling roofs and fragmented framing, delves deeply into the concepts of texture, material, the passage of time, and the effects of neglect, offering a fresh perspective on the life of structures.
The Pittsburgh-based artist meticulously crafts his pieces from daily observations and photographs, particularly drawing inspiration from the suburban row houses prevalent in his city. He deconstructs and reassembles elements like window frames, siding, and gables to highlight various stages of deterioration. Clark’s process involves layering found materials and papers, which he then ages with a range of media, including ink washes, charcoal, and pastels. A notable shift in his recent work is the incorporation of a brighter palette, with cheerful pinks, yellows, and purples now complementing the more subdued browns and grays, lending a dollhouse-like quality to the constructions.
These anthropomorphized structures go beyond mere representation, suggesting a deeper understanding of habitation — the very essence of a place intertwined with its physical form. This profound shift is attributed to Clark’s recent experience of fatherhood, which has instilled in him a desire to infuse hope into these seemingly broken architectural forms. What once served as a somber reflection on mortality has now blossomed into a message of resilience, demonstrating that even amidst chaos and decay, joy can be discovered, prompting the reconstruction of something new and meaningful. Passing Through runs from June 6 to June 29 in Philadelphia.
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