Juxtaposed found objects characterize artist's work

[aesop_image imgwidth=”200px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Topper-pic-2.jpg” align=”left” lightbox=”on” caption=”“Bear,” mixed media” captionposition=”left”] [aesop_image imgwidth=”200px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Topper-pic-1.jpg” align=”right” lightbox=”on” caption=”“Deer,” mixed media” captionposition=”right”] Buttstock & Blunderbuss, a collection of original artwork created by Emily Maddigan, will present several series of works that the artist has cultivated and created over the past several years. The show spans multiple creative styles and examines perspectives of minimalism, social philosophies and natural and unnatural beauty.
Maddigan presents small and large-scale work inarguably mighty in spirit. The figures boast uncanny juxtapositions of beach trash, found wood scraps and all manner of detritus, according to the artist. She seeks out deals on misbegotten taxidermy via Craigslist and yard sales. Her rescued and bedraggled animals then go through “an enchantment and a redemption process.” Encrusted and bedazzled with colored beads, sequins and pins, these creatures now bear a blinged-out armor.
Maddigan was born in Detroit, Michigan and studied at Michigan State University, as well as in several study-abroad programs in Mexico and various countries in Africa. She completed a master’s of fine arts degree at California State University, Long Beach in 2005. She has shown her work in various states including California, Oregon, Michigan, Massachusetts and New York. She has completed a residency at the Armory Center for the Arts and currently works and lives in Long Beach.
The show will run from Friday, Aug. 21 to Friday, Oct 24 at 4th Street Vine, 2142 E. 4th St., with an opening Aug. 21 from 7pm to 11pm. For more information about the show, visit facebook.com/events/975343985849489 .