Holli Schorno’s floating environments on paper are created from collaged fragments cut from discarded books, guides and instruction manuals on everything from science, mathematics, engineering and machinery to organic chemistry. What is presented is a kinetic universe of fluid movement and directed mechanical intent as strands and clumps of meticulously cut forms dynamically interlock in configurations that resemble space stations or protein strands of mingling organic chemicals. The sharp outlines of her cut-out objects, machines and occasional figures appear to float on the page as if defying gravity. The suggestion is of an experiment in technology gone haywire, an animated universe that gives one a sense that things might shift at any moment.

Drawing inspiration from the Dada photomontages of artists like Hanna Höch, whose stated purpose was to integrate objects from the world of machines and industry in the world of art, Schorno’s use of these themes seems much more a function of their kinetic potential and the effect of spatial relationships. The collaged elements exist in a constant state of flux, stretching and at times exploding across the picture surface.

Mechanics features three large scale works in which Schorno’s mechanistic accumulations form expansive constellations that extend clear across the gallery walls, building upon the spirit of the original designs by pointing toward an infinite world of possibility.