Exhibitions

KATHERINE WAGNER: 1990'S (BLISSFUL INNOCENCE)

Fluorescent Gallery / 627 N. Central St. April 14, 2017 - April 14, 2017

Katherine Wagner

My memories of fashion in the 1990’s when I was young are distinct and certain outfits serve as precursors to familial memories. Having been born into the 90’s, the fashion trends helped to shape my aesthetics. The Grunge look consisted of muted and darker colors, the oversized, and lots of flannel. In comparison my aesthetics tend towards muted colors and subtleties. The bright colors and graphic patterns from the 80’s bled over into the early 90’s. These loud colors contribute to my hesitations when it comes to using vivid colors in my work.

However, nostalgia complicates the issue. The elements of the 90’s that cause me discomfort are also endearing in a different context. I am exploring how to marry loud patterns with a softer aesthetic and am pushing my limits of what is acceptable to me. By altering second-hand fabric that reminds me of the 90’s, I am able to stretch my aesthetics further towards the bold and bright. My goal is to explore color relationships and memory and challenge my previous connotations.