| 4:00PM
FREE
ARTIST STATEMENT
'Non Self' is an exploration in a state being without ego. Influenced by Buddhist psychology, I used meditation to lessen the grasp of self-cherishing and ego-clinging in order to open up to a world of vulnerability and subconscious mumurings. This process invoked a background of vivid colors and abstract shapes with loose figurative elements floating freely within the space, mimicking the way thoughts and feelings move through one's consciousness during meditative states.
'Non Self' is an exploration in a state being without ego. Influenced by Buddhist psychology, I used meditation to lessen the grasp of self-cherishing and ego-clinging in order to open up to a world of vulnerability and subconscious mumurings. This process invoked a background of vivid colors and abstract shapes with loose figurative elements floating freely within the space, mimicking the way thoughts and feelings move through one's consciousness during meditative states.
My intention for those interacting with this body of work is an invitation to open to the subtle ideas and emotions moving through one's mind without immediately accepting their validity. Rather meet them with curious inquiry as to their source and purpose, then release them as if they were guests drifting through for a brief visit.
ARTIST BIO
Rachelle Andra Caplan was born in Philadelphia and raised in Southwest Florida. The contrast of moving between these different environments throughout childhood is evident in their work. Early adulthood was spent in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Orlando. In 2010, Caplan permanently relocated to Cincinnati.
Inspired by modern philosophy, Buddhist psychology, and ideas sourced in contemplative wisdom schools, Caplan uses symbolism, abstract expression, and figurative elements to convey meaning and process traumic experiences from her past.
Caplan uses painting in acrylic and watercolor, collage, graphic design, costume, sound, and video as their mediums. The various formats allow for unique forms of expression and varied entry points for being witnessed.
Caplan is a self-taught, life-long artist, first finding illustration and painting as a method to process early childhood trauma. Using art for healing and communication has been a focus throughout their career.
Caplan has been the lead visual collaborator the band Lung since the band's inception. Prior to working with Lung, Caplan spearheaded the People’s Liberty supported community-based art and music project Caravan Traveling Sound and founded Ladyfest Cincinnati. Rachelle was a key member of feminist, sludge metal band, Babe Rage. Upon moving to Cincinnati, she worked as a costumer for the rock band Foxy Shazam.
