ALICE CATTANEO

 

curated by Jonathan Watkins/Mario Codognato

 

23.02.08 | 19.05.08

 

In collaboration with Ikon Gallery, MADRE presents the work the young artist from Milan (1976); sculptures and video pieces that are characterized by a formal modesty and an economy of means, and yet the overall effect conveyed a strong sense of wonder.

Made from everyday materials such as wood, cardboard and adhesive tape, Cattaneo’s sculptural works display a hobbyist aesthetic and suggest spontaneous invention, an enthusiasm for ‘do-it-yourself’ construction that overrides fine finishing and precision. Direct responses to their environments, makeshift structures spring from walls, floors and ceilings, as if to suggest an organic opportunity, a sort of growth within available space. Sculptures involving pieces of roughly cut cardboard are arranged in a skillful alternation of solids and voids. They resembled architecture, evoking imaginary cityscapes, urban topographies and microcosms. Seemingly quick to assemble, these constructions also suggested a delicate vulnerability.

Cattaneo’s videos offer the same lightness of touch and ungracious approach. Little epiphanies, they capture moments that have a transformative effect. Cattaneo manipulates her subject matter by using simple techniques and standard technological functions, such as the addition of a soundtrack, to create engaging narratives. The contact of two capers on a plate becomes a cheeky kiss through the introduction of a jump-cut, there is an ascension of moisturizing cream from a teaspoon made possible by the reversal of video footage, whereas a suggestion of homicide is created by sci-fi screeching accompanying an ice cream spoon dashed on the rocks by the playful flick of a finger. This way, all the objects become unstable characters in mini-adventures made possible by the technology of her equipment.