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| 'Bottoms Up #2' 2013 |
Dare I say ‘beautiful’? ‘
This sums up the work of Joel Otterson in his current solo exhibition. A purveyor of interior domestic objects combining
handicraft with traditional sculptural materials, Otterson has created
‘lighting objects’ – a lamp, wall sconce and chandeliers. His work comments on
how contemporary art fits into our daily lives. He has translated ordinary
objects, including hundreds of goblets into well crafted transparent, colorful sculptures that are
secondarily utilitarian interior objects. The chandeliers are made from vintage press
glass and cut crystal goblets, steel, metal chain, copper wire and electrical
parts and his “New Age Tiffany” lamp and table are made of vintage press glass
and cut crystal goblets, copper pipe, marble, metal chain, copper wire, glass
beads and electrical parts. Otterson’s
works highlight high/low culture and are practical and adaptive art pieces that
are also charming and engaging. There is also an element of nostalgia – a
harkening back to when Tiffany lamps and Baccarat chandeliers were popular. He
is also mixing feminine craft traditions with masculine sculptural techniques. Although decorative, Otterson’s works reference
pop art and contemporary culture. The show runs through December 21st.
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| 'My Mother's Eyes', Made in LA, (installation) Hammer Museum 2012 |
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