Printmaker Jim Williams sets himself strict limitations of size and color range but proceeds to produce a diverse, intellectually stimulating group of mono-prints for his current Clay Street Press exhibition. His artist’s statement describes the new work in Hybrid Structures as his “search for a visual equivalent to the daily dynamic interplay that occurs between the man-made and the natural environment.
Curiosity is a good thing to bring. Aside from “How does he do that?” (Answer: experience and skill, extensive layering, openness to what the artist himself terms “unorthodox materials”), another question might be “What’s going on here?” The eleven new works are landscapes of a sort, veering toward topographic maps, all printed on the same size paper (30-by-44 inches), some presented as horizontals and some as verticals, all described as relief and silkscreen.
Hybrid Structures is an exhibition that rewards close attention.
Jim Williams’ Hybrid Structures is on display at Clay Street Press through March 17.
Read Jane Durrell's full review of Hybrid Structures here.
