Ross’ sculptures and paintings represent a complex and long investigation, beginning a dialogue which reconsiders both modernist sculptural history and process-based sculpture in general. While attempting to make parallels between detachment and decay, which to Ross, relates to the present state of human communication, there is a deep exploration into empathy, fragility and the destabilization of humanity as a comparative method of dialogue. The form of the work manifests themselves as a type of simple structure often using abstraction and metaphor to describe these complex issues. Materials are used to describe dates, periods, passed eras and events by way of porous consideration and assembling of form. Process of materials undergo numerous reconstructions, where they are often used as fragments and materials for new works. This process can continue for unidentifiable and multiple mutations as materials are built up and then synthesized together to make multiple reiterations over different periods of time. By probing into the history of sculpture while also investigating the realities of our time, the aftereffects of this process are brought to light physically in the material itself. The work also sets into play a channel to question the anti-gesture to signal a lack of human empathy in relationship to power structures, machine learning and their parallels to human destruction. What then, can this machine-based hierarchy and “perfect object culture” bring to help its humbled human form. These “anti-gestures” physically cling to the object hierarchy by way of the plexiglass form, Aqua-Resin, surfaces/protector (for all other materials), base, by keeping the imperfect form “in place”. Ross’ work continues to take on sculptural history, political power structures and the consequences of inventions which destabilize the object.
Caitlin Ross (b. Slegr/ b. 1981, Los Angeles, CA) is a Czech / American living in Los Angeles. Caiti received her MFA in sculpture from Milton Avery School of Art, Bard College (2017), where she also received an MFA fellowship (2014 – 2016) and a teaching fellowship from Bard College in 2015. In addition, she received a teaching fellowship from Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena, CA 2017 – 2018 and she received her BFA from ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena, CA (2003-2006). Select solo and group exhibitions include Scope, Tri-Cluster in Berlin, DE (2024); Ruth Gallery, Pasadena, CA (2023); Hermitage, Los Angeles, (2022); Incident Report, Hudson, New York, (2016), Ono, Los Angeles, CA (2016); San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego, CA (2015); Waterfront, Kingston, NY (2015); Autonomie, Los Angeles CA (2012); Santa Monica Museum of Art, Santa Monica, CA (2008); Compact Space, Los Angeles, CA (2006); Washington Projects, Los Angeles, CA (2005); ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena, CA (2005). Caitlin (Caiti Slegr) Ross is Art Department Chairperson and faculty at Immaculate Heart High School in Loz Feliz and lives in Altadena, CA.
email: caitislegr@gmail.com
626.390.2551
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