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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 19, 2006
CONTACT: JENENE NAGY 908.616.5477 tilt@jjfab.com
NEW WORK BY Aili Schmeltz September 7-30, 2006
(Portland, OR-) Using suburban middle America as source material, the new work of Aili Schmeltz continues her exploration of the interaction of architectural development and the natural environment. Materials such as shag carpet, vinyl, and Styrofoam serve as emblems, snapshot memories of Schmeltz¹s youth. These materials speak to the dualities inherent in the suburban landscape as hideous and seductive, kitsch and homey, humorous and heartbreaking. Her work explores the standardized and controlled attitude of human interaction towards nature, resulting in surreal landscapes. Her sculptures are a hybridization of modern American architecture and landscape.
Schmeltz¹s work will be on exhibit September 7-30, 2006 at Tilt Gallery and Project Space, 625 NW Everett, Suite 106, Portland, Oregon. A reception for the artist will be held on Thursday September 7 from 6-9pm. Regular gallery hours are Fridays and Saturdays noon-5pm and by appointment.
Aili Schmeltz received her MFA from the University of Arizona in 2003 and her BFA from Kansas City Art Institute in 1997. She has recently completed a residency at Raid Projects in Los Angles. Schmeltz has exhibited at Dinnerware Gallery in Tucson, Sculpture Space in NY, and Gallery 500 in Portland. Her work has been reviewed in the Willamette Week, the Portland Mercury, and the Tucson Weekly.
This exhibition is free and open to the public.
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– Tilt Gallery and Project Space 625 NW Everett Suite 106 Portland, Oregon 97209 http://www.tiltpdx.com