elizabeth youngblood at wayne county community college art gallery
The Art of Thinking: Master Drawings and More. Curated by Sherry Washington
“Elizabeth Youngblood’s creative practice has spanned the disciplines of drawing, weaving, ceramics, design, and more. That most fundamental element of visual vocabulary, the line, has been a cardinal element for much of her visual interrogation of concept, material, and form. She has used line to explore themes of fragility and strength, structure, disorder, and the nature of time and vicissitude.”
Appearing layered with a sharply edged shape floating above, the graphite is heavily textured as if rubbed from an undisclosed surface only to quietly fade to nothing. The irregularity of the mylar mirrors the subject adding folds and shadows.
There’s power in simplicity while the roughly defined edges and scale keep this interesting. The gallery’s muted lighting—which contributes to a meditative vibe—required some photo adjustments for improved online viewing causing stronger value contrast than is actually present. This form is quite dense with significant visual weight.
Drawings are always a favorite due to their ability to reveal aspects of the artist’s process and thinking. The informality of the paper makes this read like a doodle but demonstrates mindful variation in line creation from sweeping to staccato.
Not usually included in Youngblood’s exhibitions, her soft sculpture is a treat. She’s introduced color in a loose weave that gently folds and gathers at the bottom. The glass jar and stopper add a reflectivity to the subtle sheen of the ribbons.
Full disclosure, my paintings are pretty quiet so I have a predisposition toward this kind of work. Nonetheless, I’m not consciously seeking out exhibitions that are mostly devoid of color, but there have been several this year, which is compelling since recent shows have often been the polar opposite taking cues from bold, effervescent street art. Artists’ sensitivity will always reflect trends before they’re widely acknowledged. In this turbulent social and political climate I’ve been on a determined quest for peace. Maybe we’re all moving in that direction?
On view through July 25th at Wayne County Community College Art Gallery 801 Fort St, Detroit
*images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
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Hi Kim: Thanks so much for the Beautiful essay on Elizabeth Y.. I enjoyed your insight into her mind as you discussed her artwork, and that many of the objects were owned by her. I should have informed you that I curated the exhibition. If you can include that, I would appreciate it very much. I have extended the show through August 20, 2025.