the intelligence of things

Elysa D. Batista

Elysa D. Batista, 1989, 2012, Spackle, Foam Core, 4’ x 7’ x 1.5”

The questioning of my surroundings and love for language has influenced my artwork from an early age. The sculptural artwork I make involves text and signs and explores its various meanings as it relates to my experiences. The evolution and growth of communication as a form of interpreting the world, inspires me. In my practice I create sculptures that allow me to make concrete examples of my thoughts. Some of the artwork that I have made in the past presents what appears to be a neutral set of words that are coded in order to play with their original meaning. A common thread in my artwork is the ambiguous appearance of the sculptures. As a physical representation of my thoughts, it is important that my artwork be approachable. The sculptures I make give an air of familiarity through the use of common materials and are aesthetically seductive through their clean and graphic finish. This is achieved through the use of typography and advertorial forms that might be encountered in the public on an average basis. Some of the artists whose work I enjoy explore the relationship of text and environment. The exploration of meaning through the multiplicity of language as a visual tool is also something that I utilize in my work. The sculptures I create make previously nonexistent forms possible through the manipulation of language.

Elysa D. Batista, EGO, 2012, Cardboard, Recycled Wood, Lights, 3’ x 6’ x 8”

Elysa D. Batista, Eloquent Delinquent(s), 2012, Cardboard and Mesh, 2’ x 5’ x 1”

Elysa D. Batista, Fall in Line, 2012, Plaster, Recycled Wood, String, 3’ x 2’ x 4”

Elysa D. Batista, K.O., 2012, Mixed Media Assemblage, 6” x 4” x 3’

Elysa D. Batista (b. 1985) creates word and sign sculptures inspired by her experiences with power dynamics in relationships and communication. She was born in Panama City, Panama and moved to the United States with her family at age three when they were granted political asylum. Growing up in Miami, FL, the multiplicity of meaning shaped how she utilizes language.

www.elysabatista.com