NEW BEDFORD – The New Bedford Art Museum’s newest exhibition, “Aberration,” offers visitors a unique and thought-provoking experience about the relationship between the maritime industry and the concept of beauty. The exhibit runs through Oct. 29.
“When looking at my sculptures, it is sometimes hard to see that the core material used was considered waste. Discarded tugboat tow ropes, construction waste, iron rods and stainless steel shackles are all discarded,” said artist Alex Buchanan, a former sailor turned sculptor.
“By taking these materials in this exact state of disposal and organizing them into patterns, I ask you to take another look and determine whether what we are seeing should even be considered disposal.
What to expect when visiting the exhibition
Buchanan’s sculptures, which range from monumental knots to playful pop culture references, are made from materials such as discarded tow ropes, construction waste, iron rods and stainless steel shackles.
These materials, often viewed as waste in the maritime industry, are transformed into visually stunning and technically impressive works of art.
This is what we have for dinner: Here’s who serves the best filet mignon in the New Bedford area
“I believe that the ropes I have selected, which have been replaced by the shipping industry, are now at their most aesthetically sophisticated stage and have only just begun their journey as textiles of the highest quality,” he added.
Through his work, Buchanan challenges viewers to recognize the beauty and potential of “discarded” materials, highlighting the problem of overconsumption and the importance of reusing and repurposing. His sculptures also pay homage to the hard-working people in the shipping industry, as well as the environmental impact of various industrial processes.
One of the main themes of the exhibition is the concept of the “patina of time”. Buchanan’s use of materials that are worn and aged by their previous use reflects the Japanese concept of sabi, which celebrates the beauty of things marked by time and experience.
The deeper meaning behind the work
“Part of our mission at the Art Museum is to support local artists. Buchanan’s work is not only visually captivating, it also reflects aspects of our regional culture and inspires us to think about a variety of environmental issues. His work is timely and relevant for all times,” said Suzanne de Veigh, Executive Director.
According to Buchanan, this gives the sculptures a deeper level of meaning and invites the viewer to reflect on the journey of the materials and the beauty inherent in them.
More: Here you can enjoy a nice IPA in New Bedford today
“Patinas created by the stress and wear of industrious nature act as inscribed stories about the life and environment of the material,” he said.
“The ethnographic properties of the field-based knots reinforce forms reminiscent of braided hair, dimity patterns and seams found in marine culture on land. This provides additional subtle and refined perspectives and acts as an important alkalizer for the harsh problems we know as mountains of plastic.”
Buchanan’s art also addresses larger societal issues such as our throwaway culture and the environmental impact of industrialization. His sculptural forms act as environmental symbols, subtly reminding viewers to rethink their behaviors regarding consumption and reuse.
In addition, Buchanan’s works are influenced by a wide range of sources, ranging from ancient Inca recording devices to contemporary artists such as Eva Hesse and Christo.
He said this eclectic mix of inspirations gives his creations additional depth and dimension, evoking awe and emotional resonance in the viewer.
With Aberration, Buchanan invites viewers to see the world in a new light and appreciate the beauty in unexpected places. His sculptures challenge our perceptions and celebrate the potential for transformation and revitalization in our surroundings.
Standard-Times Editor Seth Chitwood can be reached at [email protected]. For more information about him, visit sethchitwood.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to the Standard-Times today.
