Artwork copyright Karen Chapnick. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Aquatic Circus, 1982

Karen Chapnick
(American, born 1950, died 2008)

Location: Eastern Washington University, Cheney

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Karen Chapnick created the tapestry ‘Aquatic Circus’ using hand-dyed and braided sisal fiber. She composed each braid from about fifteen strands of sisal, chosen from a palette of hundreds of colors she created in her studio. She noted, “By controlling the system and ordering of braiding, I can then orchestrate my colors as they move across the surface into the composition I want.” She encouraged viewers to engage with her artworks at many different distances. When viewed up close you focus on the texture of the material. Stepping back, you can see the patterns and color relationships at play. From afar, you experience the overall movement and mood of the composition.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Eastern Washington University.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Karen Chapnick (1950-2008) was a textile artist. Her body of fiber-based artworks and paintings primarily explored color relationships.
Born in New York City, Chapnick received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees at the University of California, Los Angeles. She immigrated to Canada in 1976 and was based in Vancouver, British Columbia.