Mary Lum: Temporary Arrangements | Yancey Richardson
Mary Lum “three red dots”, 2024. Acrylic, photo, colored pencil, found pencil, collage on paper (14 7/8 x 11 1/2 inches) Unique.
Courtesy of the artist and © Yancey Richardson
Written by: Aundréa Verdi
In the bustling heart of urban creativity, where the rhythm of daily life pulses through the streets like a vibrant symphony, artist Mary Lum orchestrates her latest exhibition, "Temporary Arrangements," a captivating exploration of the mundane made marvelous.
Nestled within the walls of the Yancey Richardson Gallery, 12 new paintings and three collages unveils the hidden poetry of the cityscape, inspired by her meanderings through the streets of New York and Paris. From April 4 to May 18, 2024, viewers are invited to immerse themselves in Lum's kaleidoscopic world, where fragments of urban existence are meticulously deconstructed and skillfully reassembled into captivating works of art.
Mary Lum “Habiter Le Temps”, 2024. Acrylic on paper (64 3/4 x 45 inches) Unique. Courtesy of the artist and © Yancey Richardson
At first glance, the compositions appear as amalgamations of modern art movements, but upon closer inspection, they reveal layers of complexity that challenge conventional perceptions of urban reality. Within each piece, seemingly ordinary sights—a peeling advertisement, a weathered façade, a jumble of text—become the basis of a visual symphony, each element contributing to a larger narrative of urban experience. Lum's process is as much about observation as creation, with each painting and collage as evidence of the artist's connection to her surroundings.
The exhibition's title, "Temporary Arrangements," reflects Lum's artistic ethos. Just as the urban landscape is constantly in flux, so too is each composition an ephemeral moment captured in time.
Drawing inspiration from the fleeting glimpses and serendipitous encounters that characterize city life, Lum's work invites viewers to reconsider their relationship to the urban environment. What may seem insignificant or overlooked becomes imbued with new meaning, highlighting the beauty of transience and impermanence.
Mary Lum “Daredevil”, 2024. Acrylic and colored pencil on paper (30 x 22 inches) Unique. Courtesy of the artist and © Yancey Richardson
Mary Lum “Pushcart”, 2024. Acrylic on paper (30 x 22 inches) Unique. Courtesy of the artist and © Yancey Richardson
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In her exploration of urban landscapes, the artist draws upon a diverse range of influences, from Cubism to Russian Constructivism, as well as the concept of psychogeography. These influences converge in Lum's interdisciplinary practice, where form and content are inextricably linked, giving rise to a visual language that is as dynamic as it is evocative. Through her fractured compositions and fragmented text, she captures the essence of urban life, inviting viewers to navigate the streets with fresh eyes.
“[-] finding the things that are in the margins, those things that are on the periphery, those things that are between the lines, that you see out of the corner of your eye. Not through a concerted effort, but by paying attention, looking around, looking the other way. And often later, you are not sure that you’ve seen these things at all.”
One of the most striking aspects of these compositions is the artist’s ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary. By elevating everyday objects and experiences to the realm of art, viewers are challenged to reconsider their preconceptions and embrace the beauty of the quotidian. Lum celebrates the poetry of the everyday, inviting viewers to find beauty in the most unlikely places.
Mary Lum “Suze”, 2024. Acrylic on paper (64 3/4 x 45 inches) Unique. Courtesy of the artist and © Yancey Richardson
In a world where the pace of life seems to grow ever faster, this exhibition serves as a reminder to slow down and savor the moments that pass us by. Through meticulous attention to detail and keen observation, Lum invites viewers to embark on a journey of discovery, where every corner holds the promise of something new and unexpected.
Mary Lum “three cars”, 2024. Acrylic, photo, colored pencil, found pencil, collage on paper (14 7/8 x 11 inches) Unique. Courtesy of the artist and © Yancey Richardson
“Temporary Arrangements” is a captivating exploration of the urban landscape, where fragments of daily life are transformed into works of art. Each painting and collage offers a glimpse into the soul of the city, revealing the poetry that lies beneath its surface.
It is a testament to the power of art to elevate the mundane to the sublime and a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us if only we take the time to look.
