Rhizomes of Place
Installation by Jason M Stewart
Oct. 19th – Dec. 30th, 2016
Reception and artist conversation moderated by Emily Harris: Sat. Nov. 5th, 2-6pm

 
In Rhizomes of Place, pared down materials like duct tape and cardboard, wood and paint are assembled temporarily to communicate notions of “place.” Stewart says “I am interested in addressing the distinctions of place and its ever changing context through a poly-vocal and multi-modal practice.” 

Here his environs are an attic-apartment-turned-art space on residential North Willow St in Montclair, NJ. Stewart  responds to details in the physical construction such as a hole in the wall that was perfectly patched by cardboard and duct tape, the inspiration for a three dimensional drawing made of the same materials that mirror the interior pitch of the roof. 

In a separate room, Stewart collects, constructs and carefully places a group of painted sculptures. Each work attempts to voice separate place studies: sentimental, empirical, intimate, physical, social, and economic. Although conceived as separate, each sculpture’s careful placement to the others points to a hidden network of ties and relations. 

Through the action of recycling previous sculptures and presentation formats, adding a new voice to the cluster of works, coopting the attic-space as another piece and provoking the viewer to reflect on their own positioning within this dialogue, Stewart neatly explores and plays with his subject.

Looking back as a young boy, Stewart says he trained in presenting himself differently depending on his perceived social expectations. Jason M. Stewart expertly throws himself to look back on himself numerous times over the course of his work; denying the signature artist in favor of one whose responsibility lives, inquires and evolves with its context. 

To meet the demands of the rhizome, one must regard this work as if it is in endless movement, a momentary ripening, 


text by Emily Harris, October 2016