My artistic practice delves into the intricate interplay between the beauty and dread inherent in nature, manifesting through installations that disrupt and reinterpret architectural spaces as deconstructed paintings. In my Viral Theories series, biological imagery and natural patterns serve as poignant reflections on the permeability of borders and the vulnerability of the human condition.
Among my recent installations, Elegy and Ode, stand as poignant juxtapositions, contrasting the losses wrought by pandemics with the celebrations of life. These works serve as meditations on the profound dichotomies of existence.
Currently, my artistic inquiries center on the intersection of art, craft, landscape, and identity. Fatherland, an homage to my late father and his battle with Multiple Sclerosis, as well as an exploration of my Italian heritage uncovered through genetic testing, is emblematic of this exploration. While my forthcoming project, Motherland, will delve into the Scottish diaspora, the erasure of women's identities, the ancient techniques of textile arts, and my own rediscovery of Scottish ancestry on my maternal lineage. As a Distinguished Fulbright Scholar, I will delve into the landscape and textile traditions among Scottish women, seeking to uncover layers of cultural heritage and identity.
My creative process draws inspiration from a myriad of sources: maps of social networks, viral behaviors, dna strands, swarming insects, flawed cosmological theories, and even the organic forms of fallen petals. Through my work, I seek to elucidate the complexities of contemporary existence by weaving together disparate symbols and ideas into evocative patterns. These layered visual narratives invite contemplation on the structures that shape our understanding, relationships, memories, and physical encounters with the world around us.
Carol Elkovich