“Looking Deep Within the Core,” a Photographic Exhibition by Sarah Aagesen Opens at Charlene’s Gallery Ten July 3
Posted on 27. Jun, 2010 by Stephen Kastner in Art exhibits
How a classical realist becomes inspired by the abstractions of food…
James Andrew Beard was an eccentric chef and personality whom many consider to be the father of American gourmet cooking. In the 1950s he brought French cuisine into the American popular mainstream. Who could imagine that the words of James Beard would serve as a philosophical keystone to the current work of the next artist featured at Charlene’s Gallery Ten?
“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” – James Beard
In 2006, Sarah Aagesen received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Millikin University. Her four-year emphasis then was focused on figure drawing.
“In those four years, I worked in charcoal, and with an array of erasers, practiced drawing the nude figure, while working on my line and detail,” she explains.
But in 2006 she made a radical shift, changing medium during her last semester of school in the development of a final project for a preeminent figure drawing course. From that point on, she has been working with bright, vibrant colors to create abstract compositions – a leap from the strict and academic realism that she was used to. She also took up photography as a “casual release.”
In 2008, as a graduate and an islander who works many roles to survive, Sarah took on a job at the Washington Island Hotel, Restaurant & Culinary School.
“Food became one of my central inspirations when it came to art,” Sarah reveals. “During this period of my life, I learned about sustainability and the importance of local foods and wanted to express that importance through my work.”
And she did it with the camera. The bakery and the kitchen put out such beautiful food that she began to stop the chefs and say, “Wait, let me take a picture of that.” What evolved from her expanded awareness of the quality, beauty and sourcing of food is this new, deeper exploration. The latest work she will display at Gallery Ten is comprised of large photographs that zero in on close up details, colors, texture, line and compositions of patterns in food.
“This work represents my appreciation for food and all that it has to offer. Not just for the taste, but for the brilliant colors, the fresh, organic shapes and unique textures. I have taken something pure and truly beautiful and changed the way you look at it by simply capturing silhouettes or focusing on an unusual part, making it fun and playful,” says Aagesen.
“There is a strong resemblance between my past work and present; the color palette, organic line, and compositions. I create a sense of depth and dimension and have been able to do so, again, with food. It’s a subject everyone can relate to. Each piece is beautifully grown and has its own identity. I take these pieces and showcase their natural beauty.”
Sarah says there is another quote, one by Ralph Waldo Emerson that captures the essence of her entire show. “If we live truly, we shall see truly.”
You can meet Sarah Aagesen at Charlene’s Gallery Ten in Gills Rock at an artists’ reception celebrating the opening of her show on Saturday, July 3 starting at 3 pm. You are invited to enjoy a collection of delicious snacks and complementary wine while you meet the artist and take in the exhibit. At 4 pm Sarah will present a gallery talk providing insights and reflections on her work.
Charlene’s Gallery Ten represents over 100 artists in a gallery collection that is contemporary, original and eclectic. GT Coffee, complements the gallery, serving espresso drinks and Door County cherry pie by-the-slice open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM with free Wi-FI. The gallery is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (closed Tuesdays) at 12625 Hwy. 42 in Gills Rock, Wisconsin. Telephone 920.854.9907 for further information of visit on-line at www.GalleryTen.com.
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