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While attending The Other Art Fair in Los Angeles, I came across Canadian artist Desirée Patterson’s compelling and enlightening work. Ms. Patterson’s primary medium is photography and she is dedicated to creating compositional works that draw attention to humanity’s dance with the natural world in order to raise awareness about the dire importance of environmental preservation. Ms. Patterson’s laborious process consists of first digitally capturing images then meticulously manipulating the forms, shapes, and orientations, turning disparate layers of imagery into unified compositions threaded with conceptual narratives. She told me:
Every species on earth has a fundamentally interactive relationship with the eco-system, which shapes evolution and sustains all living things. My work aims to provide insight into these innate relationships from different perspectives, allowing the observer to reflect on his or her own individual connection to the glory and splendor of the natural world.
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One of Ms. Patterson’s most intriguing pieces is entitled “Enraciné iii” and it explores a humanistic approach to sustainability through consciousness rooted in the industrialized world. To symbolize the roots of our industrialized society, Ms. Patterson’s inverts New York City and collages it with nature-inspired imagery to reveal the complex evolution that humanity must undertake in order to save our planet.
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In “Enraciné ii” nature and New York City mix to form a swirling dynamic pastiche.
Enraciné ii
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In Ms. Patterson’s Éveil series, her compositions present a unique allegory: an internal rhythm that embodies our relationship with natural beauty contrasted with the blight of human consumption on the planet. The human form is isolated by layering contours with images of natural and urban environments. Juxtaposing masculine and feminine forms with industrialism and nature, Éveil raises awareness about a generation of people who are becoming increasingly detached from the natural world and consistently more reliant on disposable technology.
Éveil divided-2
Éveil untitled IV
Ms. Patterson told me, “I believe that art can inspire change. I hope that viewers reflect upon their own kinship for the natural world when they experience my artwork. I hope they see how imperative preservation is to sustaining our future and I hope they are inspired and find value in transitioning to eco-friendly lifestyles via responsible consumer choices, discarding waste efficiently, being mindful about resource consumption, and finding their own ways to contribute to a brighter future.”
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In “ Point De Fusion iii,” Ms. Patterson appears to explore the impact that fossil fuels are having on the environment.
Point De Fusion iii
Ms. Patterson’s unique aesthetic has gained widespread recognition and has been exhibited in both commercial and public galleries, with private collections held in New York, Los Angeles, Singapore, London, Hong Kong, and Toronto.
For more information please visit www.desireepatterson.com
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Photo credit: All art courtesy of Desiree Patterson. Used with permission.
