Book Arts Exhibition Opening – Kathie Menduni Aspaas
The Western New York Book Arts Center (Book Arts) presents an exhibition by WNY artist Kathie Menduni Aspaas, on view June 7 – July 3, 2019. An opening reception to celebrate the exhibition will be held Friday, June 7th from 5-9pm at 468 Washington St. in downtown Buffalo. This event is free and open to the public.
Soft Propaganda is the antithesis of propaganda. With this body of work, Aspaas introduces alternative printmaking practices derived from experimenting with nature and collage. Soft Propaganda links the art of printmaking with organic matter, rendering a byproduct of natural phenomenon using handmade paper and cotton fabrics alongside natural materials such as wasps nests and leaves.
Using an etching press to marry inks and natural dyes extracted from plants, Aspaas showcases this indigenous methodology and pathway for change towards a more humanitarian environmental practice.
“Harvesting the wonder of nature’s rhythm in syncopation with fragmented collage and print has been a theme throughout my career,” Aspaas says.
Currently the owner of Aspen House Press in Williamsville, NY, Aspaas is an alternative printmaker working with organic matter fused with print mediums and print collage. Originally from Houston, Texas, Aspaas has taught studio art, printmaking and art history courses at Buffalo State College, D’youville College and SUNY Erie.
Aspaas will also host an artist talk and drop in workshop on Saturday, June 15th.
