MFA Thesis Show "A Sense of Gravity in a World of Chaos"
Fourth Wall Project, 132 Brookline Ave, Boston
May 16–30, 2013
Reception: May 17, 7–10 pm
With a controlled chaos, Lauren Coulson creates worlds that envelope the viewer into contemplating multiple and ever-changing realities, which target the viewer to question perception itself. She layers various painting languages with a structured system that combines spontaneity and control. By working with constructing and combining cosmic, figural and topographical worlds from random, quasi-violent and spontaneous mark-making, her work delicately binds the figural elements and ground together. The worlds that are created in the paintings comment on the analogy between the macrocosm and the microcosm. Infinity, chance, spontaneity and exploring the major branches of science—chemistry, biology, geology and astronomy—are major sources of motivation. Ultimately, the paintings poke the viewer to ask themselves, "What is this space that we live in?" and the answer is ever-changing; with an infinite number of possibilities, where nothing is true yet everything is permitted.
Coulson is a Memphis native and received a BFA from the University of Memphis in 2009 and a candidate for an MFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in 2013. Coulson has shown nationally in various galleries and museums and has been included in many publications. Her jewelry line is also sold at the Ornamental Metal Museum and the Brooks Museum of Memphis.
Coulson will also exhibit in "SMFA Graduate Thesis Film & Video Exhibition" at Remis Auditorium, MFA Boston, May 16–17, 2013. Drawing motivation from the cosmos, chemistry and geology,
Elemental Shifts explores a process of painting that exercises spontaneity and control. By working with constructing and combining cosmic, figural and topographical worlds, the work is both a play on transcendence and decay; the beautiful mixing or melting of something being shaped into existence or fading away.
www.laurencoulson.com
Image credit: Lauren Coulson,
Collision, 2013. Oil, acrylic and ink on canvas. 53"x74"x2 inches.
