Postbiological Ponderings
May 16 - May 27, 2023
Reception: Friday, May 19, 5-7pm (Artist talk @ 6 pm)
Strata Gallery presents Postbiological Ponderings; the work of Emerging Member, American artist Tristyn Bustamante. The exhibition opens May 16, with a special reception on May 19th from 5-7pm.
Bustamante’s unusual work is built by traditional hand-building and throwing methods in the medium of clay. While her work is primarily ceramic, many pieces incorporate other fabricated and found objects.
Bustamante’s process of “informed intuitive ideation” involves both research and instinct. Each piece is begun from an individual idea developed through research. Forms are intuitively designed then carefully planned out. Bustamante’s early work exhibited expressive systematic qualities while conveying a sense of ambiguity of function. More recently, her efforts have focused on exploring recent or emerging technologies and human / animal perception while continuing to define forms outwardly indefinite of purpose.
Bustamante stated, “I’m grateful for the staff and leadership at Strata Gallery, their efforts have great impact on the lives and work of emerging and established artists.” In anticipation of the exhibition, Bustamante states, “The intent of the work in Postbiological Ponderings, was to produce sculptures with both a heedful and playful quality, which are ideologically deep yet approachable. Viewers are invited to look through the futuristic lens from which the pieces are imagined.”
Bustamante’s artwork has been shown in solo and curated group exhibitions across the United States. She has received multiple grants and awards from sponsors such as the Arizona Commission on the Arts. Her work is part of a few private collections including the Lenny and Anne Dowhie ceramic art collection. She has received funding for and participated in residency programs such as The Armory Art Center, New Harmony Clay Project, and Clayarch Gimhae Museum in South Korea. As a community and education advocate, she has pursued teaching and involvement in local communities whenever and wherever she can.
Tristyn Bustamante, Multidimensional Webb See’ers 2.0, stoneware, steel, epoxy, 6 x 4 x 7 inches each, 2022
Tristyn Bustamante, Blow System, Stoneware, porcelain, brass, copper, rubber, 27 x 15 x 13 in, 2016