aggregate
September 2- October 18, 2009

The works in aggregate employ a process of accumulation and assembly of parts to make a whole. Each artist elaborates on an initial matrix, manipulating the context and form of fragments to explore notions of place, pattern, and permutation. Cole Caswell's photographs of mold colonies are luminous studies in configuration, revealing complex structures analogous to human networks.

Performance artist and puppeteer Vasilios Gletsos creates a playful, organic topography in which to stage journeys for his anti-hero, Baconface. Painter Eric Hongisto's architectural interventions serve as extensions of the surrounding geography, making connections between local forms and phenomena. Shannon Rankin's deconstruction of maps into intricately patterned installations explores the relationship between physical place and intangible experience. Sculptor and public artist Aaron T Stephan's altered book structures are part of a practice that reconsiders familiar objects, pursuing material metaphors that question the substance of appearances.

aggregate, MECA's second themed Alumni Biennial, highlights new bodies of work by five alumni from MECA's Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts programs. The exhibition is a juried biennial accepting three to five artists whose work is connected by a common theme. Jurors for aggregate were Nick Capasso, Ph.D., Senior Curator at the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park; David K. Ross, visual artist, art historian and critic; Ellen Wieske, Assistant Director at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. Exhibition organized by Jill Dalton and Linda L. Lambertson.

Opening Reception

First Friday Artwalk, September 4, 5 ?8 pm

Performance by Vasilios Gletsos, 6 pm

Artist Talks

Osher Hall, 12 noon

Thursday, September 17 - Cole Caswell

Thursday, September 24 - Aaron T Stephan

Portland Phoenix review

Maine Sunday Telegram review