elizabeth youngblood at m contemporary
A Time for Notional Change
“Anyone who works with cloth understands that notions are small things—needles, pins, buttons, and the like. They know that these small things are essential to fashion the garment/item. Typically, the more carefully selected the notions, the finer the outcome.
In the more conceptual definition, notions are small, often disconnected thoughts. Small individually. Large and powerful cumulatively. The effects of conceptual notions shape the lives and form the contours of behavior.
‘Notional change’ refers to the idea that small, disconnected thoughts and behaviors are linked.” —Elizabeth Youngblood
Willowy lines cascade down the page breaking in mindful diagonals of dots and drabs. The black swatch anchors the piece while rogue strands integrate into the arrangement. Some tonality is afforded in the pigmented enamel pooling at the conclusion of this gentle composition.
While using the same tender threads, this reverse/negative is more mysterious than its positive sister. Ribbon fibers weave into the inked filaments emanating from the crown germinating like veins in a leaf then spill into shadow.
Send For Me’s elegant cone is minimal yet expressive. Certainly the yin dark side is always more pointed than the incandescent yang. This is the highest concentration of color in the entire exhibition.
This cone iteration allows a fine pink swoop to divide a somewhat contained shape, although Youngblood’s handywork is evidenced in the textural application. Its simplicity doesn’t discharge its consequence inspiring meditative consideration.
Two coincidently concurrent exhibitions exploring the use of line without dependency on color for drama demonstrate even the most delicate of elements can produce impactful work. These two exhibitions—this and Valerie Mann last week—grant a moment of respite in a sea of intensely colored shows. If you want to get someone’s attention, say it in a whisper.
On view through June 17th at M Contemporary 205 E Nine Mile Ferndale
*images courtesy of the gallery unless otherwise noted
direct quote from gallery materials
SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND