light as a feather 2023
photo credit: Christian Capurro & William Mallat (install)
Wagner Contemporary 12 Aug - 13 Sep 2023
Through the meticulous techniques of engraving and perforation, Melinda Schawel creates works that celebrate light, movement and texture. Continually inspired by the minutiae of natural elements and eroded surfaces: rockpools, tidal lines in the sand, lichen, insect trails, she was specifically drawn to the exquisite artistry of a single feather in this series - its tree-like structure and symmetrical yet distinctive markings, lightweight and flexible but rigid enough for flight.
With scalpel and drill in hand, Schawel’s processes are slow and deliberate: carving, puncturing and tearing the surface of smooth, thick paper, not quite feather light but flexible and durable enough for power tools. Pools of diluted ink are poured and trapped under (re-purposed) plastic sheets, forming amorphous shapes that ‘float’ and shimmer on the surface of the paper, mimicking the elusive iridescence of feathers if caught at just the right angle. At times it is the absence of colour altogether that allows light to play a more transformative role as it traverses and illuminates the heavily etched lines and intricate perforations.
This labour-intensive process allows the artist to continue pushing the boundaries of the paper, and in some instances completely alter the surface, whilst retaining an illusion of effortlessness and fluidity. This ‘push’ has surprising side effects that ultimately guide the compositions along the way. Traces of burnt paper appear due to intense heat generated from the drill, spatterings of tiny holes and random patterns are left in papers stacked atop one another, and even drops of blood are occasionally drawn from the razor-sharp edge of the scalpel blade. It is a delicate dance of sorts, a form of release and an exchange of energy. Once displayed outside the confines of the studio, there is a further transference of energy as the works beckon the viewer into a realm of quiet intimacy. Despite their ephemeral appearance, there is a sense of permanence that lingers long after viewing.