This curiosity cabinet is an exploration of the intersection between art and science, using traditional photography, found objects, biological material and mixed media. Created in the tradition of the Wunderkammer; encyclopedic collections of types of objects whose categorical boundaries were in Renaissance Europe yet to be defined- objects included belonging to natural history, geology, archeology, ethnography, historical relics and works of art. Each cabinet of wonder was defined by the whims of the collector, therefore this one reflects the scientific experience I had in collecting and organizing the objects and animals.

The name of the show Saper vedere an Italian phrase that translates as “knowing how to see” was a concept used by Leonardo da Vinci as the basis of his in-depth study of the creative power of humans and nature. This collection demonstrates how humans deliberately manipulate our environments, and our relationships with other organisms in order to be voyeurs of the wonder of nature. In really ‘knowing how to see’ our natural world perhaps we will be inspired to preserve what we have left, and I don’t mean in formaldehyde! 

Artist Statement 
 

      In my art-making I am concerned with the alchemy and history of my materials. I collect raw material from nature to be combined in the work, as I believe the natural world is our most creative and ridiculous art museum. The content of the work varies as my mind wanders from the different wonders and tragedies that envelop the world.

      Human nature has infinite capacity for compassion and for causation of suffering, for creative genius and blind destruction. In Buddhism and Christianity (the religions I am most acquainted with) there are belief systems that explain such inequity. Original Sin and Karma. In this exhibition “Original Karma,” mixed media art pieces display abstractly and figuratively these concepts.   

      “Lilith” the snake made from bronze and sea-glass is a reference to the woman in Jewish folklore said to be Adam’s first wife, she did not want to submit to him (to be underneath him during intercourse) and consequently flew away, threatening the lives of infants. In historical paintings Lilith is depicted with the body of a serpent and the head and bare chest of a woman (tempting Eve in some instances).

      Looking at the contents of this exhibition I inquire… Is the totality of the worlds’ suffering due to a forbidden fruit, or a karmic debt we are continually paying off? Without a reason for the tragedies and inequities of the world…why on earth would we let them exist!

      Elizabeth Ribera

Education:

San Jose State University, MFA Photography                                      2007-present

Santa Clara University, BA Studio Art                 2002-2006

Shows:

Divisidero Community Gallery, San Francisco                                              June 2009

It Was, And Remains- joint show with artist Megan Diddie

Mediums: Color photographs on Aluminum, mixed media  

ATC Show, San Jose State University                                                            April 2009

Saper Vedere- Solo Show

Mediums: Curiosity Cabinet, Photographs, Mixed Media                       

Phantom Galleries, San Jose                                           Jan. 2006

PREFACE: A Present Perspective- Group Exhibition

Medium: Acrylic

Santa Clara Visual Arts Society, Santa Clara                                                  June 2006

Mind Over Matter- Group Exhibition

Mediums: Bronze, Ceramic, Mixed Media

Senior Show, Santa Clara University                                                            May 2006

Holy Smoke! – Joint Show

Mediums: Acrylic, Bronze, Ceramic, Cyanotypes, Mixed Media

Work:

Photographed Art by Kelly Detweiler for Website (Paintings and Mixed Media)

Photographed Art by Don Fritz for Website (Ceramic and Drawings)

Children’s Portraits done in Cyanotype and Watercolor 

Play:

Photography Safari in South Africa            Summer 2005