Art Review: Katie Pell's Tiny Acts of Immeasurable Benefit at Women & Their Work

Katie Pell, Rockstar Butterfly, 2008, courtesy of Women & Their Work

As the title of the new exhibition at Women & Their Work suggests, the small, innocuous things we experience each day can have a great impact on our lives and others—those who are open to such "Tiny Acts of Immeasurable Benefit" may be pleasantly surprised, and even find inspiration. The show of new works by San Antonio-based artist Katie Pell explores this notion and more and gently engages the viewer to discover more.

In Tiny Acts, themes of identity, intimacy, fantasy, and mysticism are treated to Pell's tender irony, explored via a collection of life-sized sculptures and a suite of colorful screen prints. Her charming imagery is reminiscent of girlhood adolescence—wide-eyed little animals, flowers, clouds, sunbeams, mushrooms, and butterflies abound—and executed with wonderful precision. The series of prints, titled Wall of prints made with you in mind, features these docile subjects juxtaposed with a line or two of provocative text. Although random at first, the thoughts expose some of the truths and lies that many of us tell ourselves everyday. They are at once both personal and universal, intimate and revealing.

The sculptures include two pairs of larger-than-life butterfly wings, a huge album cover diorama, a towering charm bracelet, and a prayer wheel with a twist—and all invite the viewer to look closer, absorb the rich details, and, yes, touch the works. In this exhibition, touching the work is not just allowed, but encouraged. Pell's sculptures become complete when they entice the viewer to interact with them, so come insert yourself into a work of art and become whatever your imagination allows.

Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Pell received her BFA from Rhode Island School of Design in 1987. A resident of San Antonio since 1995, she has shown widely in Texas and New York City, and garnered rave reviews for her 2006 exhibition Bitchen at ArtPace in San Antonio.

Katie Pell: Tiny Acts of Immeasurable Benefit runs through September 13.

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