Tuesday last week saw the opening of ‘Cravings’, the highly anticipated second solo show by a contemporary abstract artist Cat Spilman. In this new body of work, Spilman departs from her previous sketchy style and moves towards block abstract shapes. Such a creative decision is no mere coincidence, in fact, it perfectly embodies the way her works became ‘darker and deeper’ with the monolith shapes, inhabiting them, seemingly carrying more weight and density. This translates perfectly into the new show’s overarching theme - ‘Cravings’ - presenting Spilman’s most raw and honest works to date. By opening up and allowing herself to be emotionally vulnerable, Cat investigates both her private, hidden, internal desires and the universal human wants and needs.
Today, we would like to take a closer look and focus on one of the most sticking pieces within the series I Serve.. And I Ski Too, 2023, examining the themes and symbols the captivating diptych contains.
As the only two-panel work in the series, I Serve.. And I Ski Too instantly encourages the audience to engage into a subconscious comparison, seeking out all the similarities and the difference between the right and the left side. At first glance, the parts appear to be mirror-like, with their soft white shapes placed within dark surroundings, looking inwards, as if reflecting each other, yet not quite. Completed by a monochromatic use of the house paint, Spilman’s intuitive and signature medium, there’s something akin to Rorschach test within them. Such a recognisable symbolism invites the viewers to stop and linger for a bit longer, trying to decipher the messages hidden among the simplistic figures. However, the more you look at them, the more differences you begin to notice. From the slight size difference to a small but visible tilt in the shapes’ placement. The dialogue created by the mirrored panels brings up the motif of a constant push and pull between the person we think we should be and the one who we really are. Similarly, the title reflects this, consisting of two parts itself, hinting that there’s always more than one side to anything and anyone.
Ironically, it’s never quite black and white – there’s a duality, variation and an ever-developing perception of both, the idealistic image we aspire to be and the inner self perceived and understood privately. With all its imperfections, soft and rough edges and simple yet soothingly beautiful colour combination, I Serve.. And I Ski Too encourages the audiences to actively participate in the visual discourse; and just like the artist herself, try to be honest and vulnerable, playing the intricate game of ‘Spot The Difference’ between who we believe we are expected to be and who we feel like we truly are.
For more information on this piece or others in the exhibtion, email info@rhodescontemporaryart.com
