Ain’t it Grand?

This exhibition explores the intersection of cosmography, materiality, religion, and contemporary sociopolitical discourse. Drawing inspiration from Giovanni di Paolo's The Creation of the World and the Expulsion from Paradise, this series of paintings and installations reimagines medieval cosmographic models through concentric forms, nested geometries, and vibrant colors. These models symbolize a universe of rotating, nested spheres with Earth at the center of the universe—a vision once at the core of scientific understanding and religious doctrine.

The exhibition investigates rainbows' symbolic meanings. Historically associated with hope, love, happiness, and acceptance, rainbows are now politically charged symbols, often weaponized against LGBTQ+ rights and progressive ideals. Through this series, I highlight these shifting significances, using the Cosmograph’s circular forms as targets and universal symbols, with modern scenes and objects at the center of each target.

The exhibition consists of sculptural installations constructed from accessible, found materials such as hay bales, and paintings.

Dimensions: The installation measures 70” H x 20” W x 35” D. Each target is 4-6 feet in diameter and has square edges of raw linen, jute, hemp, and sisal. If the budget permits, I will include paintings and found objects that provide deeper context for the work hung on surrounding walls.

Materials: Hand-made oil and Lapis Lazuli on unstretched linen, mixed media, locally sourced hay bales, and found objects.

Installation: Hay Bale Targets: paintings mounted on or near hay bales evoke rural landscapes and archery targets, suggesting both agricultural ties and the weaponization of symbolic imagery.

Shipping and Assembly: Paintings will be shipped, rolled in tubes, and mounted upon arrival. To reduce costs and environmental impact, found objects such as hay bales, bricks, and wood will be sourced locally. Detailed diagrams and instructions will guide the installation process.
The gallery will feature distinct zones for suspended paintings, wall-mounted works, and the hay bale targets.

Historical and Philosophical Context: The artworks heavily reference Plato, Aristotle, and Ptolemy's nested cosmographic models, which merged scientific knowledge with Biblical teachings. Galileo's persecution is an example of the conflict between science and religion.

Symbolism: The series interrogates rainbows' evolving meanings, from their traditional associations with positivity and forgiveness to their adoption as LGBTQ+ symbols and contemporary politicization. The center of each target features an image of a single lily, violet, lit candle, green carnation, or broken mirror.

Sustainability: The exhibition emphasizes environmental responsibility and the transformative potential of everyday objects by incorporating found and locally sourced materials.

Collaboration: The theme is inclusivity, forgiveness, and empathy. Ideally, this is a collaborative project.