Dieu Donné announces the opening of an exhibition of new paper-based works by artist Arlene Shechet beginning Thursday, March 8, 2012 and on view through Saturday, April 28, 2012. The opening reception will take place on Thursday, March 8, 2012 from 6—8 pm, and the artist will be present.

Returning to a medium that has been an integral part of her sculpture-based practice, Arlene Shechet’s bold new series of unique cast paper reliefs and sculptures defy the boundaries normally associated with paper-based works. These multi-dimensional works exude a raw and uncontrollable energy that relates to the process of working in the papermill with liquid pulp. Shechet manipulates the fluid state of handmade paper with a sculptor’s hand.

Known for her work in clay, this series of works began in the ceramic studio. Casting molds were created from her sculptures, fire bricks, and drawings in clay and then used to give form to the paper. In a reciprocal relationship with her ceramic practice, Shechet works with vividly colored paper pulp as if it were a ceramic glaze, and works with glaze as if it were paint. Also included in the exhibition are several fully three-dimensional sculptures, some of which include ceramic elements.

The artist began her work in handmade paper in 1996 at Dieu Donné when she was awarded a residency through the Workspace Program. She has returned to the wet studios many times to create several vibrant and innovative bodies of work. Shechet’s lucid investigations of materials and meaning, along with her deep commitment to the exploration of paper culminate in this exciting and innovative body of new work.