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The Plastic: A Study of Love

The Plastic: A Study of Love
Date Monday, November 9 - Friday, December 18, 2015
FeaturingKristina Estell
Location Johnson Gallery - View maps and directions
Bethel University
3900 Bethel Dr St Paul MN 55112
SponsorsBethel Department of Art and Design

Event Description

About the Exhibit:

Kristina Estell’s exhibition of watercolor paintings examines the protective properties of bubble wrap packaging material. Her interest in this industrial plastic lies in its function as a trusted, convenient but susceptible and environmentally detrimental layer of protection. These paintings illustrate carefully rendered fragments and sheets of the common, air-filled material revealing delicacy and vulnerability within the transparent spaces and torn edges. The physical reality of bubble wrap exists as a very thin, easily torn and enjoyably popped layer of plastic. It also has the great potential to transparently hold and protect the most valuable of our possessions in an elegant and innovative way. These contrasts and functions are a few of the characteristics that inspire Estell's affinity for and uncertain fascination with the multi-faceted nature of this disposable material.

About the Artist:

Kristina Estell is a visual artist interested in the function of the human gesture within the complex environment of natural and built environments. Using a wide variety of processes and materials, she creates sculptural installations, watercolors and found object works that create uniquely sensitive material experiences. 

Estell is a graduate with Distinction of Herron School of Art at Indiana University and holds an MFA from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. She has exhibited nationally and internationally as well as attended artist residencies in the US, Japan, Germany and Hungary. Estell has recently been honored as a 2015/16 McKnight Fellowship recipient.

To hear more, Bethel will be hosting an Artist's talk with Estell on November 11.

Questions?

Contact Michelle Westmark, Gallery Director, at 651.638.6527 or m-westmark@bethel.edu.