In ‘Biophilia,’ Pippa Dyrlaga Carves Out Space To Admire Nature’s Ethereal Complexities – Colossal
Art
#birds #fish #nature #paper #Pippa Dyrlaga
June 20, 2023
Grace Ebert
“Bluebird”, hand cut 36gsm washi paper and acrylic, 20 x 21cm. All images © Pippa Dyrlaga, courtesy of Heron Arts, shared with permission
Through exquisite paper-cut patterns, Pippa Dyrlaga (formerly) evinces the principles of biophilia, the theory that humans are wired to connect with nature and other life forms. This assumption underpins the Yorkshire-based artist’s first US solo show, which opens this week at Arts of the Heron in San Francisco.
Encompassing a number of Dyrlaga’s works from recent years, the exhibition takes its name from the theory and features meticulously sculpted compositions that blend flora and fauna. Patterned mesh backdrops surround entire ecosystems with avian and aquatic life, as in « Summer » and « River, » while smaller pieces focus on individual creatures like a bluebird or swan as they take flight. Layered with acrylic paint, the works are nostalgic and reverent, evoking the immense, insatiable wonder of childhood and the joy of discovering the beauty of the natural world for the first time.
Biophilia runs from 22 June to 21 July. Find more Dyrlaga pieces at his site AND Instagram.
« A Strange and Beautiful Place », hand cut 36gsm washi paper and acrylic
“Kingfisher”, hand cut 36gsm washi paper and acrylic, 20 x 22cm
Left: “Foxglove”, hand-cut paper, approx. 55 x 28 cm. Right: “Moss”, hand-cut paper and acrylic, approx. 120 x 45 cm
“Swan”, hand-cut paper, 40 x 30 cm
“Summer”, hand cut 36gsm washi paper and acrylic, 90 x 70cm
Top left: ‘Dandelion’, printed image, hand cut 36gsm washi paper and acrylic. Top right: “Gaia” printed image, hand-cut 36gsm washi paper and acrylic. Bottom left: ‘Memory Fruit’, printed image, hand cut 36gsm washi paper and acrylic. Bottom right: “Tera Mater” printed image, hand-cut 36gsm washi paper and acrylic
« Seeds », hand cut 36gsm washi paper and acrylic
“River”, 36gsm hand cut washi paper, 40 x 40cm
#birds #fish #nature #paper #Pippa Dyrlaga
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