| Description |
On viewing the work of Karla Black, we are immediately reminded of elaborate cakes from a society of wit and friendship, of extravagently sized three-storied sandwiches, and of compost heaps. Multiple layers, insistently present materials and highly tactile and sensual delights dominate all her works. Through our knowledge of art history we recognize the cakes from Claes Oldenburg, and the surface ornamentations, worthy of a master pâtissier, from countless images by Sigmar Polke. We have encountered layerings in the works of Robert Morris, Franz-Erhard Walther, Joseph Beuys, and Anselm Kiefer. Karla Black avails herself of their methods to further develop the possibilities of sculptural installations as pliant figures in enclosed spaces. In doing so, she relies on an oft-scorned colourfulness, on materials not frequently encountered in the annals of art history,and on fragile and ephemeral aggregations. |