Carolyn Zeitler and Mirka Knaster
March 3 - April 2, 2023
Opening March 11, 5-7pm
The Pursuit of Imperfection is intricately tied to the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi—finding beauty in the imperfect nature of the world around us. It embodies the melancholic appeal of the impermanence of all things – the rustic, the imperfect, the decayed. Everything in the universe, including ourselves, is in a state of transition from birth to death and all that comes between. There is no “perfection” in nature; nothing exist without imperfections as all things are in a constant, never-ending state of becoming or dissolving.
In this “no perfection” is a beauty that evolves from what we often think of as “ugly”. The desiccated leaf, the torn paper, the stained cloth, the rusted metal.
The “perfect” pine needle falls from the tree, becomes brown and brittle, but can transform into something strong. The “perfect” textile or sheet of paper is torn revealing its fibers and new possibilities, the “perfect” piece of copper is tarnished to reveal new colors. Discoloration, rust, stain, warping, shrinking, cracking, dents, scars, these are all things that still possess undiminished beauty and character. These are the characteristics of “imperfect” that, if you look closely you will discern their essence. Is there anything more perfect that the imperfect unfolding of nature?
We encourage you to look closely at each piece and embrace the artistry of imperfection in everything around us.