SYMBIOTIC TANGO
Inspired by the expansive creative possibilities of the Exquisite Corpse, Beatrix Ost and I have cracked opened the doors to our private studios and decided to excavate this process of co-painting. Re-learning the sensitivity to the reactions and interactions of the canvas and the movement of the artists on a shared surface, it truly is a process of listening, trust and support. Beatrix’s work resonated deeply within me, in particular, how she continually addresses the human condition. Somehow our intertwining of styles, lives and histories of the experience of being two female artists have come together to paint as one.
MICHELLE GAGLIANO & BEATRIX OST
Artists’ Statements:
Beatrix: “At every moment I discover a Universe! Intimacy is the fuel for knowledge. The unknowable offers itself to you. Intimacy is the ultimate agent provocateur in our discovery together.”
Michelle: “Inspired by the expansive creative possibilities of the Exquisite Corpse, Beatrix Ost and I have cracked opened the doors to our private studios and decided to excavate this process of co-painting. Re-learning the sensitivity to the reactions and interactions of the canvas and the movement of the artists on a shared surface, it truly is a process of listening, trust and support. Beatrix’s work resonated deeply within me, in particular, how she continually addresses the human condition. Somehow our intertwining of styles, lives and histories of the experience of being two female artists have come together in its own unique voice.”
How did this idea to collaborate originate?
Our intention – this grew organically after we spent time with each other’s work. We both had strong responses and wanted to bring in the sense of a surprise factor into our studio. We are hoping from this experience to deepen our thoughts, processes, and paintings, all while learning to listen and respond to each other, as in jazz – it is a call and response and that created the music.
How did you all meet?
We met through our longtime mutual incredible friend and curator, Deborah Macleod. She wanted to introduce us for quite a while, and covid created the time and space for us to finally meet.
What inspires you?
We are inspired by each other’s approach and narrative of our work. Beatrix creates these intense worlds that create questions that illuminate the human conditions. Michelle creates meditative light within abstracted landscape, a sense of place and displacement. Both of us are aware of the sense of mother nature.
What is your hope for this collaboration?
There is a sense of intimacy when artists collaborate and to combine these disparate styles and approaches, it is like learning to experiment with new material. How does it all react and respond? This deepens our bond and creates a strong conversation within our studios. Collaborations open the minds and souls of the artists to develop trust and to deepen the creative conversation with each other.