GLADYS POORTE
Artist statement

My paintings are constructions of concrete objects that refer to an elusive narrative. I arrive at my paintings by an intuitive process. I create set-ups using a variety of common every day objects such as tools, hardware, toys, plastic gadgets, etc. I arrange them in elaborate settings and then paint these from life.

The objects are selected by their shape, color, material, weight or weightlessness, softness or sharpness, opaqueness or transparency, etc. to bring out associations that are different from the objects’ actual function. These items then become something else; they transform in the way bricks, when assembled, form a new building.

In my recent paintings I’ve added objects I create myself. I use clay, paper, fabric, etc. to make new forms which introduce new connotations. Clay objects add an organic element to the mix. Their soft forms that show the human hand contrast with the manufactured things in the group. Light, airy paper shapes stand next to heavy metal hardware. Handmade and factory made things share the stage to suggest an underlying narrative.

I let the paintings dictate themselves: the kinds of objects included, the environment, the light.
The narratives evoked by the paintings refer to themes of authority and submission, religion, oppression and rebellion, relationships among members of society, human comings and goings. The world is a complicated place. My role is that of an observer, someone watching from a distance trying to figure out what it’s all about.