Siri Berg: Then and Now
Heli Haapasalo
Siri Berg: Then and Now
is an exhibition of geometric abstraction. It includes paintings, collages and
assemblages created over a period of several years. Within these different techniques
a gradual but systematic exploration of color, form, pattern and texture developed.
The repetition of geometric shapes is a method of art making which is essentially
timeless.
Initially there seems to be a striking
difference the works into two group, some entirely black or white, others vibrantly
polychromatic. But the whole body of work is characterized by a governing unity
of thought. It coheres and commands and constitutes a timeless stasis that imitates
only the most austere elements of nature.
One example of her work exhibits this quality
of agelessness is the modular system. It’s a flexible method of creating
and combining work, a process by which Berg pictures that can each stand apart
or join others as an ensemble, with no loss of visual integrity. The modular
work in the exhibition consists of 5 smaller units that merge to form a single
cohesive work. Each individual square within the unit expresses the importance
of color, forms, pattern and texture. This group of pieces includes paintings,
collages and assemblages created during a period of several years, yet one cannot
distinguish the earlier from the later. This modular system parallels the theme
of the entire exhibition on a small scale. It exemplifies how the work created
over a period of time during Siri Berg’s career is successful, relevant
and enduring.
