Sarah Cain: As if Only as Atmosphere

PRESS RELEASE

Sarah Cain: As if Only as Atmosphere

27 January – 6 March 2009

Opening reception: Friday, 23 January, 6 to 8 pm

Anthony Meier Fine Arts is pleased to announce an exhibition of new work by Los Angeles artist Sarah Cain. Exhibiting at the gallery for the second time, Cain continues to explore the boundaries of painting and two-dimensional presentation.

Cain’s work is marked by fluidity between media that creates a nuanced layering. In both works on canvas and on paper, Cain makes adept use of mixed media and collage, seamlessly integrating scarves, beads, doilies, ribbon and crushed glass onto painted surfaces. This layering lends itself to constant visual discovery.

In contrast to the practice of embedding elements invisibly into the body of a piece, Cain also integrates components onto the surface of her work.  Chain link, faux flowers, aluminum foil, cardboard construction and spray paint extension are all overt and expressive additions put to use in Cain’s oeuvre. The effect is eye-popping, loud, sometimes irreverent. 

The seemingly discontinuous elements of Cain’s work - the relationship of what is easily seen to what is hidden, how transparency is marked or changed by the dynamic of a heavily worked surface – are the cornerstones of her success and expression.