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Griep's drawings on exhibit at Rochester Art Center

By Amy Pagel
February 19, 2007

St. Olaf Associate Professor of Art Mary Griep shares her architectural collaged drawings in an exhibit titled Anastylosis, at the Rochester Art Center now through March 4. Anastylosis describes the technique of piecing together the remains of ancient buildings.

In her series of large scale, multi-media works, some of which are more than 30 feet in length, Griep's compositions incorporate segments of original drawings and paintings, fragments of photographs and traces of her recollection of the buildings' fine details. She combines these elements in individually wooden-framed panels, and then arranges the panels like pieces of a puzzle to complete the structure. The compositions are not to be considered historic or factual in their interpretation. Rather, the pieces are intended to be representative of Griep's response to and experience with these ancient and sacred buildings.

In the eight years of her on-going project, Griep has found her way to many areas of the world. Although situated across the globe, the subjects of Griep's studies -- including "Thatbyinnyu" ( in Pagan Burma), "Facade" (from Chartres Cathedral in France) and "Temple of Heaven" (in Beijing) -- are alike in that they are grand, sacred monuments and structures built in the 11th and 12th centuries. Details of several of Griep's pieces can be viewed here.

Currently Griep is working on a piece titled "The Palace of the Governors," in Uxmael, Mexico. In the fall, thanks to a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, Griep will travel to Turkey where she will begin her drawings of a medieval mosque.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.