Erickson explores loss, technology and subconscious at Punch exhibition

In her latest series, Jen Erickson has created an intimate body of work that explores themes of loss, decomposition and the interconnection between technology and the subconscious. She is interested in the process of things breaking down into their most basic elements.

Pulling from a personal language of symbols representing the threat of decay, she painstakingly places repetitive marks onto a painted surface. More than physical decay, Jen is concerned with the breakdown of time and memories and the sense of loss that this creates. The circular marks, or ‘zeros’, act as empty remnants of understanding, tiny capsules of memories and knowledge that have been lost. For Jen, the process of applying graphite becomes a meditative act. As the drawing progresses the zeros transcend their original purpose of serving as relics for the obsolete and take on a life of their own. Ultimately, these marks engage in a constant continuum of growth and decomposition; they coalesce and they disperse, sometimes embodying new forms and other times threatening to slip away into oblivion.

Jen Erickson is a contemporary artist who currently lives and works in North Idaho. Punch Gallery will host an opening reception for Erickson’s exhibit on May 3 from 5-8 p.m. at the gallery.