Kate Corroon Skakel

January 28 - March 1 , 2021

Kate C Skakel, a multimedia artist, has created Negative/Positive after spending much of the past year in solitary situations, turning inward, contemplating her life and  our current way of being.  She explains, “I have been creating these cyanotypes throughout quarantine. I position my body onto pieces of  fabric and expose myself in the sun for twenty minutes, creating ghostly shadows of my own  personage. Although cyanotype is one of the oldest photographic processes, I have intentionally  added modern elements to these, my phone and my headphone cord are prominent features.  Each position can be viewed as either a yoga pose, or a body in duress. This is intentional, as  both have been a prominent part of my time in quarantine. The title of the show,  “Negative/Positive,” also references this- am I “happy” (positive)? Or am I “sad” (negative)? I  am alluding to the huge dichotomies we have grown used to since quarantine started: no  socializing, but constant digital communication; nothing but time on our hands, but acute and  constant stress. It is also a reference to photographic and printmaking processes- the positive is  produced by the negative. My feelings, as well as my body, are not entirely understood in these  works; I could be your neighbor, your friend, your family member. My body becomes a stand in  for all of us in lockdown. After all, we are all alone, together.”

Skakel has  exhibited her work up and down the eastern seaboard, as well as in France and Chicago.  She is a  trained metal worker, fabricator, photographer and printmaker, but is currently fascinated by  fiber art.  Kate grew up in New England, and has lived in Vermont, Rhode Island, Louisiana and New York.  She has participated in the NYC Crit Club, Trestle Gallery’s Critical Feedback  Program, Open Wabi Artist Residency, and Studio Faire Artist Residency.