Magnolia Leaves, Villa, and Sea, charcoal on paper, 19" x 25"

Working in situ in Le Marche, Italy, as well as recreating scenes after the fact in New York City, Sandra Caplan composes rich, loaded landscapes in charcoal from the still life. Patterned fabrics, ribbons, and the edges of fallen magnolia leaves are among the many subjects that become moving lines, which insinuate themselves into the drawings as lost and found unifying parts. Her subtle use of negative space encourages this movement and recalls earlier work where Caplan used fabric ribbons as device in a more minimal context. Now those ribbon shapes can be found in her dense, charcoal drawings, along with white lines in pastel that enrich the various tonalities.

Architecture occupies background space in many of these works. Enduring and hard- edged structures provide a counterpoint to the fragile lifespan of the organic forms, which consume the page. Space and light are explored through a density of forms in her drawings. In Caplan’s hands Redon’s assertion that “black is the most essential color”, rings true – using charcoal she captures not only the beauty inherent in the individual objects but also the spirit and intensity of her materials.

– Filmore Projects, Press Release from the exhibition

Sandra Caplan: Metaphorical Transitions, Kinescope Gallery, NYC