Relics and Constellations: Hybrid Work of Paul Catanese

RELICS AND CONSTELLATIONS: HYBRID WORK OF PAUL CATANESE

From October 23 through January 8, the Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries at Wright State University presentsRelics and Constellations, a solo exhibition of work by Chicago artist Paul Catanese. Several bodies of work that date back over seven years will be featured in the exhibition, including Misplaced Reliquary, a modified Nintendo Gameboy Advance system and the Aquifersseries; delicate yet stark relief prints created with computer controlled milling machines. The exhibition is curated by Tess Cortés, Gallery Coordinator for the Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries.

Paul Catanese identifies his artwork as “hybrid.” That is, his broad definition of technology and the use of it in his work often combine what is labeled as “traditional” and “new media.” Paul’s hybrid work takes many forms--virtual, physical, or new combinations of both. Visitors to the exhibition will encounter works of art that skillfully incorporate such implements as intaglio printing, computers, digital video, and overhead projectors.

The action of collecting (mostly) organic objects form the basis of much of Paul’s work. In Forgotten Constellations, overhead projectors magnify and illuminate small containers of bones, feathers, teeth, hooks, and small piles of carefully placed fragments to create what might resemble a lighted map of a lost or imagined civilization, cast onto the wall for all to examine.

“Paul’s work stands out as an ideal example of how artists today are using both new and traditional tools in their art-making process,” states Cortés. “I hope this exhibition inspires students to experiment with different media, and follow through with ideas even if that path leads you into unfamiliar territory.”

The artist will present a free, public lecture on Sunday, October 23, 2:30 p.m. in the Creative Arts Center, on Wright State’s main campus. The opening reception will follow in the Stein Galleries until 5:30 p.m.

Paul is Associate Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Arts at Columbia College Chicago. He also serves as President of the New Media Caucus, a College Arts Association Affiliate Society. Paul is the recipient of numerous grants and awards, including commissions for the creation of new digital artwork from the authoritative net art archives turbulence.org andrhizome.org. His work has been widely exhibited, notably at the Whitney Museum of American Art, the New Museum of Contemporary Art, and SFMOMA Artist’s Gallery.

The exhibition is made possible with support by the Friends and Members of the Galleries, Wright State’s College of Liberal Arts, and the Ohio Arts Council.