Ariel Radock shares her thoughts on "End of Life"
Ariel Radock is an art historian and fine artist who has studied in Boston, Italy, and Egypt. She is currently living in Chicago, IL and continues to practice her art and criticism through her work with various galleries and publications.
Check out some of Ariel's artists interviews here: http://www.fillintheblankgallery.com/interviews/
And see some of her artwork published in Knee Jerk Magazine: KNEE-JERK OFFLINE VOL.1
Experiencing Kristen Althoff’s installation for the first time is like witnessing an ephemeral breathing object that one may encounter whilst turning down a wrong corridor in an abandoned Victorian mansion. The name of Althoff’s work “End of Life” aptly connects the viewer to the perpetualness of cycles and the duality that lies within each occurrence. When we involve ourselves with themes such as life and death or darkness and light, we are reminded of the imperative bond between each of these twofold principles. This reminder is an inescapable conversation that needs to transpire within our society and ourselves. The contrary idea of utilizing unsustainable refuse to generate naturally appearing objects is not so far fetched. Numerous contemporary artists and architects are striving to design bodies of work that incorporate salvaged materials. With so much waste our culture produces, Althoff cleverly takes advantage of this problem by fabricating an organic structure out of discarded plastic mesh. The result of her efforts are brilliantly executed with subtle prowess and a delicate touch. After witnessing “End of Life”, the viewer’s experience does not end once exiting the ParlourRoom. The residual memory of the work carries on in our being, merging into our consciousness with reverence and delight. It is an elusive daydream both haunting and thought provoking.