The Whole is Other than the Sum of the Parts
August 8- 31, 2015
THE WHOLE IS OTHER THAN THE SUM OF THE PARTS comes from the Gestalt Theory or the “Law of Simplicity,” meaning that the whole is neither greater nor lesser than the totality of its individual components rather, each is entirely different, and should be considered within a separate context. Ruiz, inspired by space operas, pop culture, geometry and the setting sun, creates objects that operate simultaneously as miniature landscapes from a distant future (“A planet with neon cosmic dust rings and a triangular shaped moon, which align perfectly as they slip away from the sun...”) and actual size sculptures informed by the distant family of Minimalism. In the past, Ruiz has exhibited distinct works together, neatly curated as a collection of singular fleeting moments stuck in time.
Ruiz’s minimal approach gives the viewer an opportunity to appreciate the material honesty of each player within the fictional landscape constructed primarily through Ruiz’s organic sculptures accented by synthetic colors and shaped neon. THE WHOLE IS OTHER THAN THE SUM OF THE PARTS is comparatively accented by a few of Ruiz’s smaller geode sculptures. Each piece is elegantly abstract and evocatively representational.
ESTHER RUIZ received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art from Rhodes College in 2011. She has shown nationally and internationally at various galleries including Brooklyn Wayfarers, New York; Platform, Baltimore; Vox Populi, Philadelphia; Field Projects, New York; Fridman Gallery, New York; Regina Rex, New York; and The American Center for Physics, College Park. She was born in Houston, Texas, and currently lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.
ESTHER RUIZ, "Bifröst II," 2014