Issis Macias: Etherial Spaces | Arts + Literature Laboratory | Madison Contemporary Arts Center

Issis Macias: Etherial Spaces

Arts + Literature Laboratory presents Etherial Spaces, an exhibition by Issis Macias on display from Tuesday, November 19 through Saturday, December 21, 2024. This exhibition is part of the Bridge Work Madison program.

Exhibition statement:

In this exhibition, I aim to evoke the essence of my intuitive practice, where vibrant colors, dynamic forms, and unexpected markings draw viewers into a realm of personal interpretation—an encounter with the “magic” within the fabric of our lives.

As an artist, my creative process is an act of surrender to the depths of my soul, where I transcend the tribulations of my past and present. My work's vibrant color palettes and abstract compositions are deeply rooted in my identity as a woman and daughter of Mexican immigrants, shaped by a strong matrilineal ancestry. 

Through intuitive abstraction, I push beyond previously self-imposed constraints by using unconventional materials, such as large, raw canvases with steel grommets. Applying overlapping layers of acrylics with rollers and silicone wedges, each stroke stretches as far as my arm allows. The pastel markings similarly extend and capture my full-body motions on the canvas. Working on such a large scale, I embrace the canvas and spontaneous pigments in a new way, allowing me to float in ethereal spaces where freedom and expression reign.

With this body of work, I translate personal experiences into a universal dialogue, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the work and connect on a deeper level. This connection between artist and audience is essential; it transforms the visual into a deeply personal exchange. Sharing my vibrant compositions provides multiple entry points for self-reflection, allowing viewers to access their emotions and memories. 

An opening reception for current exhibitions by Jessica M. Gutiérrez, Issis Macias, Nastia Craig, Matthew Braungin, and Karen Laudon, will be held on Friday, November 22, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.

Artist Isiss Macias

Issis Macias (b. 1977, Los Angeles) approaches her artwork as an extension of her inner world, where each piece visually represents her physical and emotional engagement with the creative process. Her abstract paintings, characterized by vibrant colors and spontaneous compositions, emerge from a deeply intuitive practice. 

In this exhibition, Macias draws viewers in with dynamic forms and unexpected markings, inviting them to explore a realm of personal interpretation—an encounter with the "magic" woven into the fabric of everyday life.

Through intuitive abstraction, Macías transcends self-imposed boundaries, incorporating unconventional materials like large, raw canvases adorned with steel grommets. Her use of acrylics applied with rollers and silicone wedges results in overlapping layers of color, while pastel markings trace her full-body movements, each stroke extending as far as her arm allows. This expansive, spontaneous approach to painting... Read More

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Arts + Literature Laboratory is located at 111 S. Livingston Street #100, Madison, Wisconsin, 53703.

Our galleries are open Tuesday through Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday noon to 5pm, and other programs take place throughout the week. Please check the events calendar and education section for details.

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