Carmen Almon
Opening Reception: May 4, 6-9pm
*In conjunction with Jammin’ on Julia
Octavia Art Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of new works by artist Carmen Almon. This will be the artist’s first solo exhibition at Octavia Art Gallery.
Carmen Almon uses copper sheeting, brass tubing, steel wire and enamel paint to create exquisite botanical sculptures. She captures the fragility of a moment in time by interpreting particular plants based on her memories of them. “These botanical compositions seem to defy their sheet-metal origins to come alive. Branches bend, vines loop, leaves twist, and a few surprising bugs, from butterflies to beetles, drop in to colonize her plants.” [1] Through her work, one is reminded of the beautifully illustrated botanical books of the 17th and 18th century – Linneaeus, Ehret, Redouté – which Carmen often refers to for inspiration. Each piece takes up to twelve weeks to complete, therefore, few are realized each year making them rare treasures.
In reference to our human connection to flowers, Carmen states, “Romance, marriage, funerals. Subconsciously, they represent so many things, innocent beauty, courage in the face of obstacles and continuity in the cycle of life and death. When I work on a plant, I am often thinking of this.”
Almon grew up in Barcelona and Washington DC and resides in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her works are exhibited at the Chinese Porcelain Gallery, NY; and Octavia Art Gallery, TX and LA, as well as featured at art fairs worldwide. She was recently written up by Architectural Digest, The New York Times, and Martha Stewart Living magazine and her works are found in prestigious private and public collections throughout the United States and Europe.
[1] New York Times, Carmen Almon, The Nautralist. Aug 21, 2013