LAUREN A. HORELICK:

Process: These works began as an experiment in the synthesis of blue and green pigments following ancient recipes that utilize basic copper acetate and varying amounts of ammonium hydroxide and other additives to arrive at unexpected pigment crystals. During the pigment drying process it is not possible to know what color or habit the crystals will take, thereby leaving much up to chance. I experimented with this process while considering the idea of reducing the act of “painting” to the simplicity of pigment and binder. These experiments double as a comment on the manipulation of the landscape. In America, it is legal and acceptable, for reason that confound me, to gerrymander districts.  The definition of Gerrymandering is to manipulate the boundaries of an electoral constituency, so as to favor one party or class. I began looking at the evolution of the shapes of the districts in my home town of Baltimore followed by others and found a disturbing, and visually impacting trend illustrating a policy of exclusion. I hope people find these works visually compelling enough to want to learn more about the practice of gerrymandering.