Inverted Horizons Exhibition on Display in the Steel Plant Art Gallery
Student viewing the work displayed in the exhibition “Inverted Horizons.” Photo by Caitlin Bombassei '28
On Sept. 2, the Steel Plant Art Gallery reopened its doors for the exhibition of “Inverted Horizons,” a collection of works created by Anette and Kenneth Millington. Featuring separate collections from both artists, the exhibition includes multifaceted fiber sculptures by Anette and watercolor paintings by Kenneth.
During the artist talk before the opening reception, students and professors learned about the inspiration and processes behind the works, further understanding the fantasy-like environments both artists created.
Anette Millington is an assistant professor of Fashion Systems and Materiality at Parsons School of Design. Her work consists of patterned sculptures and complex symmetries, focusing on the themes of mathematics, inversion and protection.
When describing her piece “Flower Tongue,” Anette said her role as a new mother influenced her art. The sculpture is made up of quilted magnet tiles inspired by the toys children play with at a young age. Looking towards nature for patterns and symmetry, Anette was inspired by butterflies and their loud patterns in order to protect and avert predators.
Her other sculptures also consist of intricate patterns, using woodblock carvings to layer her prints. There is a risk in carving intricate designs in wood, and the idea of perfection and the journey to get there inspired her to use these materials.
“I’m a perfectionist but you could mess up at any moment, so it is really high stakes that is really fun to reckon with,” she said.
Following Anette’s talk, Kenneth shared the inspiration behind the larger-than-life watercolor paintings on display.
Kenneth is also an assistant professor at Parsons School of Design, where he teaches Imaging, Representation and Methods.
His inspiration is taken from comics and the archetype of heroes, prompting him to ask, “What happens if you remove the heroes and villains from the scene? What do you have leftover?”
From a young age, Kenneth was interested in TV static and the electromagnetic signals of radiation. He incorporates this into his work, creating new environments and landscapes through the emphasis of intense graphics.
Focusing on the piece “Foundations of Probability” during the artist talk, Kenneth said his ideas stem from mathematics and quantum theory. He wants to convey what it may look like when time and space collapse into one image, also seen in his work “Collapsing Trajectories.”
While this exhibition displays both Anette and Kenneth’s works, they have never collaborated on a project. Instead, they find that they have parallel experiences from each other’s work. Anette said there are times when they are unconsciously inspired by the colors or materials their partner is working with.
This is prevalent in the work featured in “Inverted Horizons.” Not only do both artists discuss themes of math, symmetry and inspiration from their son, but there are clear connections from the patterns and colors both Anette and Kenneth used to create their art.
The exhibition will be on display in the Art Gallery until Sept. 27. Students can view the incredible work both of these artists have created.