Charleston-based Artist Laura Dargan explores the transition between abstraction and actuality through cyanotype and painting in her new series “Threshold of Actuality.” Each piece pays homage to nature by resembling something recognizable but resists becoming fixed. “I am drawn to the moment of transition, when an image hovers between intuition and representation,” says Laura.
“Abstraction allows me to work instinctively, responding to gesture, texture and movement. By using a cyanotype technique, elements of actuality emerge to function not as destinations, but as thresholds.” These moments of recognition invite the viewer in, while the surrounding ambiguity asks us to remain open, to question what we are seeing and why we see it that way.
"Closeout," acrylic & cyanotype on canvas, 48 by 60 inches
"Billabong," acrylic & cyanotype on canvas, 60 by 48 inches
"Daybreak," acrylic & cyanotype on canvas, 30 by 40 inches
"Corduroy," acrylic & cyanotype on canvas, 48 by 60 inches
"Bommie," acrylic & cyanotype on canvas, 40 by 30 inches
"Mountainscape," acrylic on linen, 20 by 16 inches framed
"Violet Sunset," acrylic on hand-dyed canvas, 16 by 16 inches framed
"Greenscape," acrylic on hand-dyed canvas, 16 by 14 inches framed
"Mountainscape 2," acrylic on linen, 20 by 16 inches framed
Laura’s abstract work is largely non-representational, with a strong emphasis on bold color, form and layered compositions. Recently, she has been exploring abstraction with subtle suggestions of landscape, inspired by her travels and surroundings. Her practice moves fluidly between multiple styles, reflecting an ongoing process of evolution and experimentation. Laura graduated from the College of Charleston in 2006.
AVAILABLE WORKS