July 9 - Andre Yi
Constructions
Andre Yi
creates drawings, sculptures, and collages inspired by the hodge podge
post-modern architecture of Southern California. Using a precise technique, Yi
creates his work using cast off materials that can be found in the studio and
around his environment: tape, twigs, paper trimmings, old drawings, faux
painted balsa wood, pencil shavings, and paint scrapings. These works are
informed by the ideas of modern architecture being inspired by nature, while at
the same time encroaching upon our once natural environment. For instance, just
this year the Wilshire Grand Center opened its doors, becoming the tallest
building west of the Mississippi (just a few blocks away from the building that
previously held that distinction). The building was inspired by the California
landscape, and the top of the building directly references Half Dome in
Yosemite Valley. Frank Gehry’s Disney Concert Hall in Downtown Los Angeles
stands out because of its organic shape, but is covered in stainless steel.
Both of these buildings are in the heart of a major metropolitan city
surrounded by miles of concrete and automobiles, but reference and draw
inspiration from elements outside their modern/industrial environment.
Likewise, Yi, whose studio is located in downtown Los Angeles, creates collages
and sculpture inspired from nature, but constructed from studio detritus;
milled and plied from more processed materials.
