so far in representing an artist’s work. Seeing
Hargrove’s works in person allows the viewer
to have an experience with the pieces that gets
lost when viewing on a screen. In Central Florida, we have the opportunity to experience all
types of art, and, like nature, it can often be
enjoyed without the use of technology.
Arcadia ii-vii, acrylic on beech plywood
For Hargrove’s series Right to Roam, photographic images do not do the pieces justice.
These images exist somewhere between painting and sculpture. She starts the creative process by making two-dimensional sketches, and
then digitally selects the colors that she will
use for the painting. The sculpture is made
next, and lastly it is painted. When viewing
these three-dimensional sculptures as photographs online, they appear to be flat paintings. Hargrove’s graphic painting style makes
the pieces difficult to distinguish that they are
three-dimensional, but seeing the pieces in
person allows for an interaction that would
not happen otherwise. Having the ability to
move around the piece freely is something that an online interface
cannot provide. Interaction
is an important aspect
Orlando’s Art Scene, v. 1.5
of Hargrove’s art,
which represents community. The Right to Roam
series uses a variety of colors and
modular shapes that come together to create one unique work of art. Viewing the works
from different angles can make them appear
slightly different, but because they are hanging on a wall Hargrove’s art is approachable.
These pieces can be read as cairns or buildings,
but either way they represent landmarks that
require a community to create them.
Currently Hargrove is on her second sabbatical with Rollins College. She is excited to be
able to participate in this year’s Art in Odd
Places, and her work will be exhibited both
locally and internationally through the end of
the year. By exploring nature, community, and
consumerism, she has been continuing old
bodies of work and creating new conceptual
work. “Art is difficult, and that’s okay.”
Being an artist is not an easy task, and it is a job
that lasts a lifetime, but sometimes consuming
art can be difficult as well. Like American culture, Hargrove’s work gives off a friendly appearance while containing deeper meanings,
but if by studying her work you do not see
anything beyond the surface of paint, she is
okay with that.
ed
ix
m
n
ao
i
ed
l
ne
pa
,m
rc
Ci
ap
tM
ui
You can see more at:
DanaHargrove.com
30