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Jen Stark’s latest solo exhibition “To the Power Of” opened this past Friday at Martha Otero Gallery in Los Angeles. “To the Power Of” consists of a wide variety of Stark’s signature sculptures meticulously crafted from paper, wood and other organic materials as well as a few paintings. This is a stunning and beautiful body of work that you really have to stop by an experience for your self. We interviewed Stark in our March 2012 issue.

 

Jen Stark’s work is instantly recognizable for its breathtaking color spectrums rendered in mind-bending forms cut from paper, wood and other organic materials.

 

Stark's sculptures seemingly reconstruct elements of time, nature and the cosmos on an exponential scale. She draws inspiration for her works from the rhythmic visual qualities of mandalas and other such sacred objects, while they simultaneously behave like the imagery of topographic maps, geometric repetitions and three-dimensional prisms. This aligns directly with her interest in mathematics: ‘to the power of…’ being a statement of exponential growth also infers the definition of ‘power’ as both the possession of physical or mental control and the fortitude to act decisively. Her unique experience working with fibers is displayed in her delicately constructed patterns, which resemble the flowing movements of fabric versus the perceived rigidity her actual core materials. Stark's unflinching attention to physical detail and a commitment to shaping the object into something far beyond its origins result in a body of work which borders on the unbelievable.

 

With each successive individual project, Stark becomes bolder in her efforts to lure viewers into her kaleidoscopic environments. The work stands alone as a signature piece of superior craftsmanship and imaginative prowess, but Stark remains conscious of how the work is inextricably bound to real space and time. In this vein, Stark pushes the envelope of visual art production, recalling both the psychedelic experience of Op Art and the endearment of handmade totems and mystic charms.

 

Following are a few images from the opening reception.

 

-Amy Duran

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JEN STARK

To the Power Of

Through November 3, 2012

 

Keywords

• jen stark
• to the power of
• martha otero gallery
• amy duran
• in l.a