Corporate life is not what immediately comes to mind when viewing Grace Period, Tekla Tamoria‘s current solo exhibit at Vinyl on Vinyl. But upon closer inspection, the clues and hints referencing work life in the concrete jungle slowly reveal themselves. Hanging structures made of paper strips resemble tall city buildings. Concrete legs firmly set beneath each lend an authoritative character. The pieces also bring to mind tiny office cubicles and their claustrophobic, trapped feel.
Even the materials Tekla uses are regular office supplies, such as fluorescent sticky labels and filing folders. She skillfully folds, rolls, and weaves these all together to create some truly quirky sculptures.
Tekla’s portrayal of corporate life is unusual and paradoxical. A setting that most artists would describe as dull and monotonous is instilled with vibrancy and color. A world that runs at full speed is given introspective form through carefully handcrafted pieces. There’s a sense of celebration too, and a glimmer of hope. It’s even possible that this exhibit is more than a vilification of the corporate grind, but maybe an invitation to see it in a different light. An encouragement to look more closely and with grace, to recognize that in spite of the inescapable difficulty and drudgery, there can also be pleasure and joy in it.
Grace Period by Tekla Tamoria opened on July 11 and is currently open to viewers at Vinyl on Vinyl Gallery.
