Exhibition Info
ON VIEW: June 27 – August 18, 2019
OPENING RECEPTION: June 27, 2018 | 7-9PM
Curated by Sarah Simpson
Muriel Stockdale takes inspiration from the culturally diverse landscape of Brooklyn to expand her series E Pluribus, an ongoing project since 2003. These mixed-media works – made from such materials as wood, cork, beads, grasses, and fabric – take the design of the United States flag, reimagined through the traditional fabrics and symbols of the many communities that comprise this nation. By reclaiming this oftentimes fraught symbol of patriotism for all those who contribute to the cultural fabric of this country and expressing it through a historically feminine craft, Stockdale infuses it with a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
E Pluribus – Out of Many begins with some of her original flags, representing the cultures of just a few of the communities situated within our borough, and culminates in a deconstructed, abstract installation of stars over a field of blue suspended from the ceiling. The star mobiles installed from the ceiling were created by sculptorJim Hunter. Walking along the hallway, one can look up into this emblematic landscape, gazing into the figurative realm of one of our country’s most staunchly debated motifs. As an immigrant herself, Stockdale aims to celebrate the mosaic of expression that can be found by looking around and acknowledging our neighbors and the histories that they embody.
Bio:
Born in England and currently based in Brooklyn, Muriel Stockdale is a visual artist and writer with a history in theater and costume design. She pulls from her broad professional interests as well as her experience as an immigrant to speak to her artistic practice. Since 2003 Stockdale has continually created additions to her culturally celebrative art series of US flags; the diverse people who coexist in the United States inspire the project, which is entitled E Pluribus. A selection of these flags is permanently installed and on view in the lobby of 315 Hudson Street, NY, and a monumental flag is on view at The Parish Place, NY. They have also been exhibited at 485 Madison Avenue, NY; ARC Fine Art, Fairfield, CT; Charlotte’s Place, a Trinity Church Community Center, NY; and Charles B. Wang Center at SUNY Stony Brook, NY. Stockdale holds a BS from the University of Vermont and an MFA from New York University.