Installation
ice paper, bamboo, pigmented acrylic fiber, linen, cotton, silk, alpaca, slate and ceramic
Sheila Hicks The Treaty of Chromatic Zones, 2015 The work consists of a long horizontal bas or low relief composed of layers of hand made rice paper on which multiple bamboo and wood elements, enveloped with pigmented acrylic fiber, linen, cotton, silk and alpaca are attached in varying depths. In addition slate and ceramic fragments are incorporated in the abstract composition. courtesy galerie frank elbaz, Paris and Sikkema Jenkins and Co, NY The Treaty of Chromatic Zones is a monumental bas-relief wall installation by Sheila Hicks at the Unlimited Sector of Art Basel 2015. Working at the intersection of modern Abstraction, color theory, and constructions with pliable materials, Sheila Hicks views her work as a process that results in multi-layered interactions with the architecture it inhabits. As exemplified in The Treaty of Chromatic Zones, she combines intention and intuition with a careful analysis of the characteristics of the exhibition space. The work is composed of natural bamboo dressed and enveloped with masses of pigmented acrylic floss, linen, cotton, silk and alpaca yarns – rhythmically arranged onto layers of handmade paper with fragments of slate also embedded within. Ancient weaving cultures are referenced literally and metaphorically along with research of advanced textile technology. Textured and vivid colors evolve into subtle and varied hues as they dance across the extended scroll and swirl above the voluminous façade as it unfurls. Photo by Raphael Fanelli