ARTIST STATEMENT
My work illustrates my inquiry into the transformative possibilities of the human endeavor to overcome cultural obstacles, blockades, biology or religious tradition in order to attain one’s own sense of Self. The content is particularly apropos to womxn’s experience. The structure of collage and constructs are especially useful for this inquiry because they reinvent the material used in them to a new meaning whether the source is torn paper, bits of scrap, strands of hair, shards of glass or other detritus. Some materials, hair for instance, are used for their deeply personal meaning. Others assume a new form different from their original use or purpose acquiring new symbolism. Freedom, power, oppression, cultural expectations, or metaphysical inquiries are depicted in a poetic and compelling way. Each piece evokes irony, transcendence and sometimes the absurd using iconographic symbolism, dynamic design, and color. When I create a piece, my intention is to captivate the viewer, inviting them into an experience of exploration. Since most of the work in this show is created with found objects or images, my process is to use an object or image as the starting point adding elements as necessary to bring the piece to completion.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Angela A. McElwain is a multi-media artist whose studio is in Chicago. Their media includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, and, recently, graphic novels. Angela’s work has been exhibited nationally and has won many awards. They were Artist in Residence in Chicago when they created and installed a series of interior murals for the Logan Square Library, then worked on an exterior mural in Lincoln Square. They have taught drawing in their studio, at College of DuPage and in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. In addition, McElwain is an artist and co-author of a graphic novel. They are an enthusiastic proponent of equality and freedom for all people.
© Angela McElwain