Shown for the first time in the United States, this comprehensive collection of ukiyo-e paintings brings the “floating world” and its metropolitan amusements to life.
Camille Laoang is a Brooklyn-based artist whose work reflects a life-long interest in “the unseen forces that underlie our reality,” which refers to the emotional, psychological and spiritual elements that shape individuals and societies and which, in turn, produce the conditions of the world. She has created a number of series focusing on various aspects of this overarching theme.
Her current mandala works take the form of two interrelated series. In one, she creates flat geometric shapes and patterns, inspired by Sonya Delaunay’s textile designs and 1950s Swiss graphic design. The other is comprised of organic forms, inspired by shapes and patterns observable in nature throughout the broad spectrum of creation.
“I merged these sources of inspiration with an urge to develop drawings from the center of the page outwards,” Laoang says. “A departure from previous works with curvy flowing compositions, I use ballpoint and fine point pens to create concentric layers at a careful pace. Solid flat forms, transparencies, gradients and textures gradually come into being as I endeavor to let each layer dictate what should radiate from it.”
The mandala works have been exhibited in group shows throughout New York City; this is the first time they’re being shown in a solo show.
Laoang’s earlier drawings, collage bookmarks, watercolors and oil paintings have been exhibited in Maryland (Maryland Institute College of Art & Davis Public Library), North Carolina (Halpert Biennial; Appalachian State University), New Jersey (Works on Paper, Sally French), London, England (Metro Cinema gallery space) and various New York art spaces including Ground Floor Gallery, 440 Gallery, Jadite Gallery, Micro Museum, Carrandi Gallery, BWAC, Art Gotham, Art Raw Gallery, Rotunda Gallery and East End Ensemble.
Laoang holds a BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art.
All images and video courtesy of the artist.
Acknowledgements
The activities of the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance are made possible in part by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
