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Axelrad's Collage

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The exhibit “Collage” contains works by Merle Axelrad which can be located in downtown Sacramento ARTHOUSE Gallery and Studios. The artist's fabric collages are in several locations as a private collection, they are also placed in a corporate and civic area (ARTHOUSE), she worked in sculpture and sewn collages, however in this exhibit she is great for the fabric work. Axelrad collages are influenced by the real nature and landscape she encounters.Three pieces of her fabric work: River 2, River 3 and Sierra Water reflect her style as modern and elaborated, making her unique from other artists. Each individual collages she made has been carefully arranged, layered, pinned and sewn together (Axelrad) in order to depict the image of nature …show more content…

One would think why Kaiser would have chosen this particular work that shows no imagery relating to health. It is understandable if one observe this piece carefully and closely, River 2 similar to Sierra River and River 3 focus on the theme of nature, Earth and water. However, in this piece, it shows more than just life, feminine fertility, and infertility. One could see that there is only a little water movement caused by ripples which allow one to capture the meaning of this River such as steadiness and calmness. The stones have an appearance of flatness and smooth detail similar to limestone and iceberg because of its shape and pigment of white like snow, what also make it similar to iceberg is the stones appears as if it is floating on the water. With no dark contour to given to the stone, there is no roundness giving these rocks a wide appearance. However, the river is lightened by the sunlight revealing the beauty within the water such as the tainted green in the water which reminds one about nature. Kaiser hospital has chosen this work of Axelrad because it reveals not only calm and hope but it reveals “peace, comfort and hope” (Scott-Kemmis) such as the whiteness and pure fabric color for the stones in the work. The river represents calm and peace where the doctor would give to their patient and the stones give strength and comfort toward their patience. This meaning also related to mother love such as comfort for their young who also give similar need just like a doctor giving to

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