Newtimes

As urban renewal takes over downtown Phoenix and its art galleries, mixed-media artist Lara Plecas (formerly Kupcikevicius) brings a little bit of nature and history into eye lounge with her new show “Territorial Nature.”

This is the first solo show at the collective gallery for Plecas, who says she is “very interested in exploring the cultural heritage of societies and the struggles that people have endured.” Plecas created ten encaustic paintings using the beeswax-and-resin-based medium. Not only are the subjects inspired by nature, but the natural world is also incorporated into the paintings themselves since she framed all works with reclaimed wood.

While the show might be heavy on history, she relates her work to today’s issues. “The series is a reflection of how man relates to his environment and assumes ownership of space,” says Plecas. “It is very relevant with the current issues of immigration, especially living in a bordering state.”

Fri., Nov. 19, 6-9 p.m., 2010

Article source: http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2010-11-18/calendar/raw-deal