INSIGNIFICANCE M A R I T TA TA P A N A I N E N
A nest has a cer tain chemistr y — an alchemy, almost. From humble parts, a greater sum emerges and coheres.*
M a r i t t a Ta p a n a i n e n
The collages in this exhibition “Insignificance” pulse with a quiet insistence, hum with repetition and reveal an introverted sensibilit y. O f nothing from nothing. I mbued with dichotomies of excess and reduction, accumulation versus disintegration, energized yet serene these intimate constructions invite close, meditative observation. In seeking departure toward a new direction, I gravitated to inscrutable, minute oddments, orphaned bits - the insignificant residue of clippings scattered on my table. Sometimes it is the least obvious which presents the way forward. With these collages meticulously working the additive process, a greater sum emerged. These “nests” evolved from in essence nothing — all and nothing — maximizing the infinitesimally minimal. Selections are made with a practiced eye — finding inspiration in idiosyncratic marks with semblance to the drawn line: notations, filaments, dots, dashes. I began acquiring old, discarded volumes long before discovering their wondrous potential attracted by their visual eccentricities, by the warmth of the patina, and the fragility of this arcane p r i n t e d m a t t e r, i t s e v o c a t i v e o b s o l e s c e n c e . T h e s e q u a l i t i e s resonate another age — an authenticity — that I desire to preserve and channel. * W h y B i r d s A r e t h e W o r l d ’s B e s t E n g i n e e r s Siobhan Roberts N e w Yo r k T i m e s M a r c h 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
Solyojo / 2017 paper collage on archival board 10 1/2” x 12 1/2” framed 14 3/4” x 17 1/4” 5,800.00
Bloom / 2019 paper collage on archival board 9 1/2” x 12“ framed 11 3/4” x 15” 5,400.00
Extraterrestial / 2019 paper collage on archival board 9 1/4” x 10 1/2” framed 12 1/4” x 14” 5,800.00
Whole / 2017 paper collage on archival board 7 1/2” x 10 1/2” framed 11” x 14” 5,200.00
Mustasaari / 2016 paper collage on archival board 9” x 12 1/2” framed 12 1/4” x 15 3/4” 5,500.00
Ruche / 2016 paper collage on archival board 7 1/2” x 9 1/2” framed 11 7/8” x 13 3/8” 5,400.00
Tether / 2016 paper collage on archival board 10 1/2” x 11” framed 15” x 16 3/4” 5,700.00
Rapture / 2016 paper collage on archival board 8 1/2” x 11” framed 11 3/8” x 14” 5,400.00
Spree / 2017 paper collage on archival board 8” x 10 1/2” framed 11” x 14” 5,200.00
The Organization / 2017 paper collage on archival board 10 1/4” x 12 1/2” framed 14 1/2” x 16 1/2” 5,800.00
Spore / 2019 paper collage on archival board 6 1/2” x 6 3/4” framed 9 3/4” x 10 1/2” 5,000.00
Consensus / 2020 paper collage on archival board 6” x 7” framed 9” x 11” 5,000.00
INSIGNIFICANCE 9 /1 1 /2020 1 0 / 1 7/ 2 0 2 0