madeleine barkey and sandra cardew at hatch art
Curious World: Storied Works
“Come see new work from long-time Detroit area artists Madeleine Barkey and Sandra Cardew. Each will be featuring critters, creatures, and unusual folk that can often be described as so grotesque and awkward they are endearing. Their practices involve sculpture, printmaking, fiber, and mixed media. Their work is distinct from one another but also fits together seamlessly. Their art worlds are from a different dimension, one that Tim Burton, Jim Henson, Hieronymous Bosch, and Patricia Piccinini all tap into.”
A ballerina’s masked button eyes bashfully gaze downward as glittering dreams flicker in the tattered tulle skirt and worn, clumsy shoes. The sculpture’s roughly hewn, crude patchwork communicates a hand sewn ensemble desperate to fit into a tightly guarded graceful environment.
Apologies for the glass reflections but Cardew’s 2D collages are so meticulous in their construction they must be acknowledged for their incredible detail alone. Stitching is so small and compact the shaded figure reads porcelain as the toy rabbit concedes to its captor’s grasp.
Barkey’s fairytale critter attempts escape from what appears as a miniature crinoline hoop skirt cage. Its body is thickly wrapped in black with dangling wire legs. A tiny blue pad with a feather is stuck onto the back left foot. Or is it toilet paper?
This diorama is straight out of Betelgeuse complete with peeling wallpaper. Regardless of inhabitants, no home is fully realized without original artwork and a dog.
Quirky and very much off-center, Cardew’s and Barkey’s gawky characters set the mood for October’s creepy season. As of the evening I viewed this show about a week ago, 36 pieces had sold. WOW. This disputes the pervasive narrative that Detroiters aren’t much for art collecting. Give ‘em something fascinating and well-made, they fly off the walls. Congratulations to Sandra and Madeleine for a hugely successful show!
On view through September 29th at Hatch Art 3456 Evaline Hamtramck
*images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
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SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND
Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center
Your words bring the work to life!
Your words bring the work to life!