TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1998

Artist's exhibit displays unique talent

By Wes Woods

On-line Forty-Niner

 

In the cozy confines of Gallery A last week sat Lisa Wibroe's stimulating search for her Danish lineage.

Titled "Lisa Wibroe In Search of Self: A Historical Perspective," Wibroe used the exhibit as a tool for finding her unusual Viking and mermaid influenced history, inspired by a family reunion she attended in Denmark.

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ART REVIEW

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While her Danish theme touched every piece in the exhibit, there was a notable exception: "Hospitality Stool." Upon entering the exhibit, one was greeted by the familiar phrase "Have a nice day." Instead of a laying on a colorful doormat, the words were literally stuck up, created with numerous silver nails fastened to a fairly small wooden foundation, surrounded by leaves.

Inside the white-walled room, were numerous pieces for one to ponder. Immediately to the right, dangled the imposing "Mermaid Mummy." Made of paper, palm bark, waxed linen and sea shells, the Viking mermaid was interesting with its concoction of flowing red hair, blue upper torso and turquoise tail. The striking silver arm bands added to the sculpture's uniqueness.

Another figure, "Mixed Media," consisted of three separate circular plates forming a mermaid. Wrapping around the shoulders was a black silk scarf, with a mermaid composed of colorful hues. Below, sat a woman's chest created with bronze. A star rested above the breasts.

A tweed-like string flowed from the stomach. Mixed with the string were Denmark coins, Danish ruins and shells. Wooden breasts rested at the foot of the piece. The right side of the breast could be opened for one to behold the various breast-shaped articles placed inside.

"Prow of Viking Funerary Ship With Bog Body" was interesting with its enormous Viking ship structure. A mermaid - whose hair is actually taken from Wibroe - rested on the right side of the ship. Her mouth was crying out in joy or anguish, depending on one's interpretation.

Three turquoise mermaids with their arms open - along with four bronze Viking figures surrounded the mermaid. Farther to her right, sat two Danish ruins. This piece seemed to signify Wibroe's dual accordance of Vikings and mermaids combining into a cohesive unit.

The floor of the exhibit was covered by leaves and a bog-type surface. Locked air underneath the carpet, made an interesting effect. All in all, Wibroe's exhibit was an interesting one, with many compositions to contemplate.