BANGOR, ME (PNAN) – Closing on Saturday, December 30, 2022 at the Zillman Art Museum is an exhibition, “Life & Still: Anat Shiftan” is an exhibition by this Israel-born artist, who is also a Professor of Art at State University of New York.
In this large-scale show of works on display as both a wall installation that spans over twenty feet as well as pedestal-based works, contain over 200 components Shiftan has employed an array of production methods, including slip casting, wheel throwing, hand building and industrial artifacts
The “Phylla in Blue” wall installation is composed of 72 individual porcelain units. The repetition of delicate curled forms produces a subtle undulating movement, while the tranquil pale celadon blue-glazed forms evoke the notion of underwater flora.
For artist Shiftan, “nature is an invented image that exists only as an idea. Color is a strong presence or absence in my work,” and this is demonstrated by compositions employing color in contrast with others glazed in solid white. In “Still Life in White,” the artist highlights the history of travel and trade in pieces that draw connection to Greek, Chinese and European heritages.
“Wallpaper in Green and Pink” is being seen for the first time in the exhibition, was created in response to her readings on the objectives of wallpaper designs by the influential 19th century designer William Morris.
Similar to the aims of the designer, “My installation is a dimensional iteration of Morris’ statement on bringing nature back into our space to regain the connection with nature,” says Shiftan. In hues of chartreuse green and pink tones, Wallpaper consists of over 95 individually-sculpted components that activate an expanse of gallery walls. The curved, extruded tubes terminate in an array of hand-built flower petals in both semi-gloss and dark maroon lava glaze.
For more information on this artist and educator, see https://anatshiftan.info/about.