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National Academy of Design

Karen Kunc, Array of Raressence

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Statement

I recognize human and natural destruction and benevolence as colorful abstract compositions of symbols and forms that suggest our time and experiences of change, beautiful tensions, and unknown consequences. There is a poignancy to these suggestive landscapes - of newly vulnerable or toxic evolving worlds, of microbes, seedlings, corals, gaseous pools and clouds, distended yet elegant flora - the sweep of such imaginary places that are discovered in my studio investigations. My approach to making woodcut prints is an evolutionary process that mirrors such processes in nature and through our own effects. These color reduction woodcut prints are on handmade Japanese paper, with diaphanous color passages contrasting with dense layers of rich texture and spatial illusions. The carving marks give energy while openness creates echoes of sound and breath. All suggest an immersive invasion set in a rich ‘scape of density and voids, movement and stillness.
Artwork Info
Date 2018
Dimensions 72 x 26 inches
Medium color woodcut print
Artist Info
Born Omaha, Nebraska
Works Lincoln, Nebraska

Reflecting on this Year

I reflect on wonder and diversity of life, but vulnerability is evident now. I lost my husband from cancer this year. Yet my art is a healing act.

Biography

Karen Kunc is professor emeritus and former Cather Professor of Art at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her awards include 2 Fulbright Scholar Awards; two National Endowment for the Arts awards; the 2007 Southern Graphics Council International Printmaker Emeritus Award; Nebraska Arts Council Master Award; Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship. Her works have been shown in exhibitions nationally and internationally and her prints and artists books are in numerous collections: Museum of Modern Art; the Library of Congress; NY Public Library; Stanford University; Milwaukee Art Museum; Haas Arts Library Yale University; Jyväskylä Art Museum, Finland; Zimmerlie Art Museum Rutgers University; Walker Art Center Library Collection. She has taught workshops in Egypt, Italy, Finland, Poland, Mexico, Iceland, Bangladesh; and she has lectured as a visiting artist to over 200 institutions. She founded Constellation Studios, Lincoln, Nebraska, a worksite for print, paper, and book, offering residencies, workshops, project collaborations. http://www.karen-kunc.com www.constellation-studios.net

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