Large-Scale Transparency Meets Natural Forms in Cooper’s Work

 

Laura Cooper’s exhibition at RDFA is a striking exploration of form, material, and the delicate balance of the natural world. Featuring large transparent alexistogel sculptures, wall pieces shaped as shallow paper mache bowls, and ceramic bowls, her work captures a sense of fragility and environmental precariousness that has defined her practice since the 1990s. Through these pieces, Cooper invites viewers to reflect on both the beauty and vulnerability inherent in the world around us.

Laura Cooper’s Artistic Vision
Since the 1990s, Laura Cooper has drawn inspiration from forms occurring naturally, translating these observations into unique, tactile artworks. Her process emphasizes the fragility and impermanence of objects, which mirrors broader environmental concerns. By employing materials like paper mache, ceramics, and transparent media, Cooper’s work is not only visually captivating but also conceptually rich, encouraging contemplation about how humans interact with the natural world.

The Role of Transparent Sculptures
One of the most visually arresting aspects of Cooper’s exhibition is her use of large transparent sculptures. These pieces offer a unique interplay of light and shadow, inviting viewers to consider the transient and fragile qualities of materiality. The transparency allows for an almost ghost-like presence, evoking a sense of impermanence that resonates deeply with the themes of environmental fragility. The sculptures appear to float within the exhibition space, challenging perceptions of weight, form, and stability.

Wall Pieces and Paper Mache Bowls
Complementing the large sculptures are wall-mounted pieces shaped like shallow paper mache bowls. These works blend the delicate texture of handmade paper with sculptural form, emphasizing tactility and the physicality of natural materials. Paper mache, inherently fragile, becomes a metaphor for environmental vulnerability, reinforcing Cooper’s ongoing exploration of the precarious state of the natural world. Each bowl seems suspended in a moment of perfect balance, highlighting the intricate relationship between strength and delicacy.

Ceramic Bowls and Material Exploration
Ceramics have long been a medium through which artists explore form, durability, and fragility. In Cooper’s exhibition, ceramic bowls sit alongside paper mache and transparent sculptures, creating a dialogue between permanence and ephemerality. The juxtaposition of these materials allows viewers to reflect on the contrasts within nature itself—resilience and fragility, solidity and transparency, permanence and decay. Cooper’s choice of ceramics demonstrates her skill in handling material while reinforcing her thematic focus on environmental concerns.

Nature as Inspiration
At the heart of Laura Cooper’s practice is a deep engagement with the natural world. She carefully studies forms that exist organically—shells, leaves, water patterns, and other ephemeral shapes—and translates them into sculptural interpretations. This approach highlights not only the beauty of natural forms but also their vulnerability. By capturing these forms in art, Cooper creates a bridge between human perception and ecological awareness, prompting viewers to consider the impact of environmental changes on fragile ecosystems.

Fragility and Environmental Precariousness
A key theme in Cooper’s exhibition is the precariousness of the environment. Each piece subtly reminds viewers that the natural world is under constant threat, whether from human activity, climate change, or other environmental pressures. The fragility of her materials mirrors the fragility of ecosystems, turning art into a form of ecological commentary. By presenting delicate bowls and transparent sculptures, Cooper emphasizes that beauty often exists alongside vulnerability, and that awareness of this duality is crucial for fostering environmental responsibility.

Viewer Engagement and Spatial Experience
The physical arrangement of the works at RDFA encourages active viewer engagement. Large transparent sculptures allow viewers to move around and through them, experiencing changes in perspective and light. Wall pieces draw attention to subtle textures and forms, inviting close inspection. Ceramic bowls on pedestals or tables create moments of pause, encouraging reflection. This spatial interplay ensures that the exhibition is immersive, providing a sensory and intellectual experience that reinforces Cooper’s thematic concerns.

A Reflection of Artistic Consistency
Since the 1990s, Laura Cooper has consistently explored the intersection of natural form and fragility. Her works at RDFA exemplify a mature approach to materiality and conceptual depth. Over the decades, she has refined her ability to create pieces that are both visually striking and thematically resonant. This exhibition demonstrates the continued evolution of her artistic vision, while maintaining a strong commitment to exploring environmental fragility and the delicate beauty of natural forms.

The Significance of Material Choices
Each material used in the exhibition carries symbolic weight. Paper mache suggests impermanence and human intervention, while ceramics denote tradition and longevity. Transparent materials emphasize ethereality and vulnerability. By juxtaposing these materials, Cooper creates a dialogue about the interconnectedness of natural and human-made worlds. This careful consideration of material reinforces the exhibition’s conceptual impact and encourages viewers to think critically about the delicate balance within ecosystems.

Conclusion
Laura Cooper’s exhibition at RDFA is a compelling exploration of form, material, and environmental awareness. Through large transparent sculptures, wall-mounted paper mache bowls, and ceramic bowls, she presents a meditation on fragility, resilience, and the beauty inherent in the natural world. Since the 1990s, Cooper’s work has engaged deeply with these themes, inviting viewers to reflect on their own relationship with the environment. The exhibition is not only an artistic achievement but also a reminder of the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth.