currency
(initially titled ‘sculptural paintings in conversation’ series)
I brought my painting smock/slip and an untreated canvas with me on one of my lecture trips in Italy. The textiles that take part in my practice usually never leave the studio and their existence in such practice begins when I'm ready to actually paint. What about the time before that? The downtime that takes part in the formulation of ideas. The travel, which for me is one of my biggest elements of inspiration. The beautiful interiors where I rest, brainstorm, write, laugh, love and discover? I photographed my painting materials, before altering their forms, out in nature free from my influence.
this series later developed into a solo exhibition:
currency? material radiator.
Homme DC is proud to present an exhibition by Marta Lola Staudinger Currency? Material, Radiator: A Retrospective, which cross-examines the definition and origin of the words currency, material and radiator through multiple media (film, audio, installation, sculpture and photography) to emphasize the intangibles in the artist (& curatorial) practice.
What is the main currency of an artist? How is material defined, transferred, conserved and translated? Can examining a radiator set the tone for better understanding the propagative nature of artistic projects? How often is the word radiate, and its many definitions, overlooked in the investigation and explanation of “the artist’s practice”?
Marta explores these concepts to advocate the importance of artistic idle time, research, practice and essence. The retrospective curatorial approach of this exhibition connects the necessary ingredients of self-reflection, awareness and growth to the production of artistic “product”, while simultaneously redefining the true currencies for the contemporary artist. Drawing philosophic connections between the artist’s psyche, sense of purpose and origin of these words, Marta attempts to untangle the contemporary artist’s lack of support and place in present society.
Currency? Material, Radiator: A Retrospective solo exhibition by Marta Lola Staudinger on display at Homme DC. March 5-27, 2021. Located at 52 O St NW, Washington, DC 20001.