Nationless
fiber
50 x 60 x 5 cm
Mary Crenshaw
Because in recent years my work has become somewhat experimental, I have had to look to venues that would be receptive to exhibiting it. This has led to my applying to open calls in places that are not commercially oriented. More often than not, this leads to rejection. I do not mind rejection at all. Being rejected just means the work did not fit what a curator was looking for. Being rejected often makes it that much better when work is accepted.
The krautArt “Salon de Refusees” exhibition intrigued me because of the criteria, that the piece had to have been rejected from another exhibition. The idea that Manet’s “Le dejeuner sur l’erbe” had been exhibited in the original Salon is enough evidence that artists who are not in the limelight also need to exhibit.
“Nationless”, though created in fiber, is more of a spontaneous drawing. It is playful and colorful, yet deals with dislocation as subject matter, something I want to make viewers aware of. It comes from the poem “Bedoons” by edre, who describes the situation of people with no national identity, either because of war or political upheaval.
– Mary Crenshaw
Mary Crenshaw’s artistic journey is an exploration of contrasts and harmonies between Eastern and Western philosophies, expressed through her multi-disciplinary approach in painting, drawing, and sculpture. Her work embodies immediacy and is deeply influenced by Eastern concepts of force and energy, contrasting with Western notions of strength. This fusion is evident in her method of pouring paint onto various surfaces, a technique she extends to ceramics, creating sensual, visually striking pieces.
Mary Crenshaw’s art is a compelling interplay of Eastern energy and Western strength, realized through painting and drawing disjointed body parts and sculpture. Her work conveys immediacy, reflecting Eastern philosophy’s focus on life force, diverging from Western ideas of enduring strength. This philosophy influences her unique painting technique, directly applying paint to surfaces, and extends to her ceramic work, where she employs a similar approach with glazing. Crenshaw’s art, especially “Nationless,” captures the essence of dislocation and societal shifts, inspired by real-life observations and infused with a mix of humor and tragedy, resonating deeply in contemporary contexts.
Her piece “Nationless” in the Salon de Refusées, created in fiber, represents a spontaneous drawing style. Playful and colorful, it deals with the theme of dislocation, inspired by the poem “Bedoons” by edre, highlighting the plight of people without a national identity due to war or political upheaval. This work encapsulates her experimental approach, seeking venues receptive to her unique style, often leading to rejection but ultimately finding resonance in exhibitions like the Salon de Refusées, where the focus is on art that challenges conventional expectations.
Crenshaw’s artistic narrative is a compelling blend of personal expression, social commentary, and a deep engagement with philosophical concepts, making her work not only visually appealing but also intellectually stimulating.
SALON DE REFUSÉES
The "Salon de Refusées" is an art initiative inspired by the historic 1863 Paris exhibition. It's a platform celebrating female (read) artists who've faced rejection, turning exclusion into empowerment. Our project is dedicated to showcasing art in its most authentic form, creating a space where diverse voices and stories are seen and revered. Join us in this artistic uprising, where each piece adds to our resilience and the unyielding spirit of creativity.