ANDREA MORGANSTERN

In my work, I create worlds in which I fuse elements of the human body, animals and plants into biomorphic forms, using dots as building blocks. Through the use of dots I reflect on the unity amongst everything in the physical world, as all is constructed out of the same essential units, i.e., atoms and subatomic particles. In addition, using dots allows me to suggest the fluid and impermanent nature of everything in the physical world, despite how things appear solid and permanent to our eyes. Rather than being in a state of completion, the forms in my work exist in a state of continuous creation and dissolution.

I am intrigued by how string theorists state that beyond the level of atoms and subatomic particles, all matter consists of vibrating filaments of energy, and is thus non-physical. Similarly, ancient Indian philosophers described the world as an illusion, or, in other words, as different than it appears.

Recurring patterns in nature have always interested me and my work incorporates the pattern that appears in neurons, tree branches and river networks as a major motif. I also explore the fractal nature of the physical world by creating an ambiguity of scale. I am interested in how the same patterns can occur, not only across various forms, but also within both the microscopic and macroscopic.

The motif of dots flowing across gaps between forms that appears throughout my work, is inspired by Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam as well as photographs of nerve cells firing electrical impulses across the synaptic gap.  Ballet and the graceful flow of bodies through space provides additional inspiration.

Another major concept that I explore in my work is the idea of other realms.   These can include the worlds glimpsed through a microscope or telescope.  Additionally, I am intrigued by the concept from string theory of the existence of 11 different dimensions and wonder what might exist in those dimensions. Recently, I have started making references to subjects in Renaissance painting that relate to the idea of other realms. One example is the subject of ascension/assumption and the depiction of beings rising up to a higher realm. Additionally, I have made reference to the subject of Olympus, the abode of the gods of ancient Greece. In addition to these Renaissance subjects, I have also found inspiration in the keyhole shaped doorway in Islamic architecture that represents a portal between the worldly and sacred realms.

Although my work is primarily abstract, the biomorphic dot forms suggest figuration and I present these figurative elements in various relationships to suggest narratives.

My process begins with a pencil drawing. I then develop a study on paper using gouache and acrylics which I then finally expand into larger scale acrylic paintings on canvas. Additionally, I translate these ideas into sculpture using ping pong balls and other materials.

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