(de)constructed Artist Spotlight: Vivian Chiu
(de)constructed:
VIVIAN CHIU
(de)constructed artist Vivian Chiu’s meticulously fragmented pieces, centered around the self, blend mediums while exhibiting a passion for craftsmanship. The LA-born, Hong Kong-raised artist received her BFA in Furniture Design from RISD in 2011 and an MFA in Sculpture from Columbia University. She now holds a teaching position within VCU’s Craft/Material Studies program.
Chiu pairs her understanding of material with the process of deconstruction and reconstruction to create objects which invite the viewer to spend time and question perception.
The pieces in the front gallery exhibit this range and proficiency, with materials from vinyl and acrylic to wood and photographic prints.
Standing in the center of the room is “Self IV,” a Vivian-height sculpture of wood atop a metal frame that can be viewed from either end. The wooden structure is created through a process wherein the artist adheres the same portrait image onto multiple pieces of plywood. Each layer is cut randomly using a bandsaw, only using the shape of the previous piece’s cuts as a guide of where to go next. Once cut, all are laminated into the resulting structure.
Behind “Self IV,” a large screen hangs from the ceiling. The screen is created with hundreds of small acrylic triangles adhered to a vinyl sheet, refracting the shapes on the other side into two for the viewer. This screen is seen applied in the scenes from two large prints which hang from the large wall on the right. The artist uses her own body to use this refraction and create the repeating forms on the wall.
A kinetic sculpture hangs behind the screen. “Remote” uses a motor on hanging tiles to apply the mechanics of the classic “Jacob’s Ladder” toy. The constantly-changing self-portrait now blends two images into one.
(de)constructed will be on view at Candela Gallery through February 19, 2022.