ArtYard presents two new exhibitions – “Paper Weight,” Elsa Mora’s latest exhibition of painstaking works made solely of paper and glue, and “Rugland,” a group exhibition of punch-tufted rugs made by artists from the Center for Creative Works, a progressive art studio located in Wynnewood.
Both are on view from Jan. 18 through April 12, with an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 18.
ArtYard is located at 62A Trenton Ave., Frenchtown, N.J.
First exhibited at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in Eugene, Ore., Mora’s 2D and 3D pieces presented in this exhibition are inspired by the cognitive faculties that form the mind: consciousness, perception, thinking, judgment, language and memory.
For the last 11 years Mora has explored the expressive potential of paper, while seeing the malleability of this material as a metaphor for the mind and its ability to morph and adapt. Manipulating light and shadow is an organic part of her process, as well as the use of color, and in some cases the lack of it.
Thematically, Mora is interested in studying the intricacies of the human brain, the wonders that it can produce, as well as its potential for destruction and chaos. Her work as a whole reflects on universal issues of identity, connectivity and survival.
Produced in conjunction with a workshop led by the textile artist and designer Tim Eads last August, the “Rugland” series of works demonstrate the dynamic nature of the medium of punch tufting.
Featured artists include Judy Barnett, Mary T. Bevlock, Paige Donovan, Cassie Flanagan, Brooke Heckler, Clyde Henry, Olubunmi Ojo and Natasha Plaza.
The medium of punch tufting has long found a home in the studios of progressive arts centers because of its both exploratory and collaborative nature.
In an exhibition at ArtYard in 2019 that celebrated artists from progressive art studios from across the country, a drawing by the Center for Creative Works artist Judy Barnett served as inspiration for a punch tufted rug created by the community throughout the course of the exhibition. This rug is also included in this exhibition along with the original artwork.
Mora is an artist and curator. A recipient of the UNESCO-Aschberg Bursaries for Artists, she was born and raised in Cuba. She is one of the founding members of ArtYard, where she is artistic director and curator.
The Center for Creative Works is a unique work environment with a goal of developing creative work potential and cultural identity for people with intellectual disabilities. The center combines supported studio art development with work opportunities.
For information, visit ArtYard online.
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