Inspired by Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights, the central character in these acrylic paintings on panel is my dog, Button, who represents nature undefiled. These verdant gardens of an imaginary future are also inhabited by Button’s companions, the “Clothespin Freaks”; whimsical, anthropomorphic, mythological figures made of clear plastic clothespins, doll's body parts and sewn pieces. Developed in a series of drawings titled Clothespin Tarot, these figures are now making their appearance in this garden of earthly delights. Together they observe disturbingly surreal quasi-botanical forms growing from the ground, hanging from the trees or floating in the air. A closer inspection reveals them to be human body parts. Many of the elements in the painting are infused with my blood to symbolize the idea of sacrifice for betterment. Recognition brings uncertainty and discomfort. The disruptive presence of mankind in paradise is neutralized through the body’s fragmentation—a destructive process but, ultimately, one that brings harmony to nature.
Catya Plate
Brooklyn, 2007
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Button In The Garden Of
Earthly Delights I 2005 |
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| Button In The Garden
Of Earthly Delights II 2005 |
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Button In The Garden Of
Earthly Delights III 2005 |
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| Button In The Garden
Of Earthly Delights IV 2005 |
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Button In The Garden Of
Earthly Delights V 2005 |
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| Button In The Garden
Of Earthly Delights VI 2005 |
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Button In The Garden Of
Earthly Delights VII 2005 |
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| Button In The Garden
Of Earthly Delights VIII 2005 |
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Button In The Garden Of
Earthly Delights IX 2005 |
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| Button In The Garden
Of Earthly Delights X 2005 |
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Button In The Garden Of
Earthly Delights XI 2005 |
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| Button In The Garden
Of Earthly Delights XII 2006 |
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Button In The Garden Of
Earthly Delights XIII 2006 |
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| Button In The Garden
Of Earthly Delights XIV 2006 |
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Button In The Garden Of
Earthly Delights XV 2007 |
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| Button In The Garden
Of Earthly Delights XVI 2007 |
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Button In The Garden Of
Earthly Delights XVII 2008 |
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| Button In The Garden
Of Earthly Delights XVIII 2008 |
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Button In The Garden Of
Earthly Delights XIX 2008 |
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| Button In The Garden
Of Earthly Delights XX 2008 |
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