Tangled clumps of hair, bug remains, dried-up plant matter — most people dump this desiccated detritus in the trash. Not Talia Greene, who sees no shame in shedding signs of life, past or present.
She transforms floor sweepings into wall decor in a neo-Victorian fantasy style. The effect is enchanting, at least if you don’t think too deeply about the provenance of the raw materials.
Greene’s newly opened “Entropy Filigree” has turned a utility alcove of American University’s Katzen Arts Center into a refreshing haven where one can contemplate the aesthetics of nature’s castoffs — and the oft-true claim that “it’s all in the presentation.”
To create “Entropy Filigree,” the Philadelphia artist coaxed random stuff harvested from sweepings and spongings into intricate, inviting patterns that set the walls in motion.
Now this is a site-specific installation. Objections rose before the work went up: Building administrators forbade the curator from wallpapering the alcove’s walls and tampering with the door-side wall plaques depicting generic symbols for men’s/women’s restrooms, housekeeping closets and storage rooms.
Art trumped bureaucracy, and the temporary decor brings new meaning to responding to nature’s call.
Manipulated photo-silhouettes replace the boring-ordinary with lithesome figures engaged in private pursuits as if captured by a voyeur’s lens. The silhouetting adds a veil of modesty, tempering the sensuality of the indelicate poses.
The designed juxtaposition of public and private space — and activities — is more than witty. It’s … pretty. Really.
“Entropy Filigree” is one of eight new visual offerings at the Katzen, which recently launched a free Arts Night series with tours, open mic and entertainment the last Wednesday evening of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. After viewing Greene’s fanciful, racy merger of modern art and interior design, you might find yourself eyeing marginalized spaces at home for a makeover.
‘Entropy Filigree’
“Talia Greene: Entropy Filigree” runs through Jan. 21.
Venue: American University’s Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington
Admission: Free
More info: 202-885-1300 or american.edu/cas/katzen/museum
