michelle andonian and hunter muldoon at hill gallery
Lost│Found
“Windows from abandoned neighborhood houses are the new foundation for the layered wall constructions by Hunter Muldoon. Reverse painting on glass is one of the techniques Hunter deploys in alerting the viewer to the density of history contained within. These compositions evoke a wide range of decidedly urban transformations at once physical in form and mystical in surface.”
This otherworldly yet familiar landscape pops in a vibrant palette employing complementary colors to amplify impact. The distinctly lined lime green cactus-like form projects forward from deep blue mountains. Distressed framing contributes matted texture contrasting to the slick, glossy imagery. Dimpled sheet metal reveals through a slender allotment of glass.
This repurposed window transforms to spatial layers of abstractions which hold the viewer in visual exploration. The earthy green frame offsets the fluorescent paint spilling down the outermost surface.
“Exploring the arches, walls, and columns of the Dequindre Cut in all of its arrested decay and vibrantly painted declarations, Michelle Andonian has framed a series of majestic images that celebrate the passing of time in place. Clear to the eye, accurate to the source, yet mysterious in origin. These images are haunting & elegant.”
Continuing an architectural bend, Andonian experiments with composition by splicing multiple images into one narrative. This affords a fresh take on what have been pervasive—and frequently amateurish—shots of Detroit’s decaying, heavily graffitied concrete landscape. This seam is adequately camouflaged so confusing the eye with the manufactured perspective. The snow blends with the décor further dissolving accustomed dimensionality.
Not much attention has been spent on the tools and materials to make the ubiquitous tags and murals that adorn the city. Aerosol cans are the assumed instrument of choice. However, some of the more sophisticated pieces require the viscosity only house paint can deliver. With its unmistakable photographic suture, this can read documentary as much as a design proposal complete with color swatch recommendations.
Although there is a generation between the exhibiting artists, easy conversation transitions from one side of the gallery to the other. Any city contains decomposing areas, but much has been made about Detroit’s due to its unprecedented bankruptcy. As the city returns to vitality, beauty rises from those ashes.
On view through June 30 at Hill Gallery 407 W Brown Birmingham
*images courtesy of the gallery
direct quote from gallery materials
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