Shannon Plumb, Paper Collection

Sara Meltzer Gallery is pleased to present a new video installation by artist Shannon Plumb. Paper Collection marks Plumb's second solo exhibition at the gallery.

Shannon Plumb's cinematic studies of life's various roles and characters explore the complexities embedded in the ordinary and extraordinary. From the humble persona of a new mother to iconic figures from the silver screen, Plumb portrays these characters with zest and humor. Inspired by the curious spirit of slapstick comedy and the physical humor of silent film legends such as Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, Plumb employs a low-fi aesthetic by using Super-8 film, stationary camera shots, long takes and hand-made props and costumes. Plumb is a one-woman show starring as all characters and acting as the creative force behind her films. The low quality production of the films and her elastic expressiveness as an actress adds to the charm of her work and pushes it beyond its obvious predecessors and influences.

Plumb's new film Paper Collection focuses on the characters of the fashion world. Portraying herself as model, photographer, magazine editor and fashionista, Plumb delves into concepts of visual beauty and the nature of superficiality. Viewed through Plumb's self-conscious lens of humor and naivetŽ, this film chronicles both the cultural significance and the accompanying absurdity that prevails in the world where surface and appearance are of the utmost importance.

Paper Collection manifests as a result of the artist's intimate connection to the role of fashion model and filmmaker. In 1995, Plumb began a fashion career as a model for internationally renowned photographer Mario Sorrenti. Their ongoing professional relationship has influenced her work as a filmmaker and visual artist from both aesthetic and theoretical standpoints. Plumb's work borrows from the histories of performance, photography, film and video, all of which have significant ties to the fashion world. Plumb continues to create stock conventional situations that have been passed on from Commedia dell'arte to the likes of Charlie Chaplin and the Three Stooges.

With Paper Collection Plumb has collaborated with friends and colleagues from both the fashion world and the film industry. Known for his illustrious coiffures, respected hair stylist Recine has created elaborate paper wigs and outrageous hairstyles that, along with paper dresses designed by Plumb, will accompany the film as a sculptural element to the exhibition. Also in collaboration is acclaimed filmmaker Derek Cianfrance whose editing, camera work and technical assistance aided in the creation of Paper Collection.

Shannon Plumb was born in Schenectady, New York, and lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. Her work has been the subject of solo exhibitions in the U.S. and abroad as well as in group shows including Human Game, Curated by Francesco Bonami, Maria Luisa Frisa and Stefano Tonchi, Florence, Italy; Torino Triennial, Curated by Francesco Bonami and Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, Torino, Italy; i-Dentity, Fashion and Textile Museum, London, UK and Greater New York 2005, PS1, Long Island City, NY, among others. Her films have also been included in national and international film festivals and screenings including 2007 Berlin Film Festival; 2007 Rotterdam Film Festival; Ocularis at 10, Museum of Modern Art, New York; 2006 London Film Festival; Scanners: 2006 New York Video Festival; 59 Festival Internazionale del Film, Locarno Switzerland; 2004 Lyon Film Festival and many more.

On Saturday, February 24th @ 4pm, Anne Ellegood, Associate Curator at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden will be in conversation with Shannon Plumb at Sara Meltzer Gallery. In addition, an event with renowned fashion designer Jussara Lee will take place on the evening of Thursday, March 15th, from 7 - 9pm at Sara Meltzer Gallery. Lee, known for her simplistic and elegant styles, will showcase new designs from her made-to-order clothing line. For more information on these events and others organized in conjunction with Paper Collection, please contact the gallery.