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#ArtistatCB: Alyson Shotz

At Crystal Bridges, we’re committed to exploring the unfolding story of America. Through the 2014 State of the Art: Discovering American Art Now exhibition, the museum introduced 102 artists who live and work in communities all over the U.S. We’re continuing that effort in 2018 through new installations and the upcoming exhibitions, The Beyond: Georgia O’Keeffe and Contemporary Art and Native North America, both organized by Crystal Bridges.

#ArtistatCB provides a window into the lives and studios of artists, who help us connect to the issues of our time in thought-provoking and inspiring ways.

Our next featured #ArtistatCB is Alyson Shotz, who recently installed Scattering Screen in our North Forest.

Shotz is an artist whose work investigates concepts of space, light, gravity and perception. Her sculptures—made from a range of materials including glass, thread, steel, mirrors, lenses and beads—examine these concepts while allowing viewers to contemplate and appreciate the environment surrounding the piece.

Resides In: Brooklyn, NY

Artwork at Crystal Bridges: Scattering Screen (2016) stainless steel and stainless steel wire

Scattering Screen is a sculpture comprised of thousands of polished stainless steel circles, woven together with wire. Although it is made of heavy metal elements, the images reflected on its surface give the sculpture the appearance of weightlessness. As individual parts shift and move, they simultaneously capture light and let it pass through. The tension between the weight of the material and the weightlessness of the appearance, points to the artist’s interest in the intersection of math, science, and the re-envisioning of contemporary outdoor sculpture. The rhythmic patterning of the surface reflects the dense forest landscape, creating a cacophony of forms.

Scattering Screen is on view now in our North Forest! 

Photos by Stephen Ironside.