Sabin Aell, ''Departure to Wonderland'' (inspired by the Genuine Wealth Model), 2010, Acrylic on Discarded Billboard, 50 Year Old Telephone Wire, Black Tape, Hanging Rail System (Designed And Engineered By Custom By Rushton), 12 X 18'.

The end of summer in Denver also marks the conclusion of the satellite exhibits revolving around the primary exhibition of the Biennial of the Americas, which ended along with the month of July. One of the finest offerings is a series of installations, under the title “Perceptions,” that probe the principle themes of the Biennial: community, sustainability and community. Two installations here stand out for their blend of strong concept and visual engagement.

An environment  consisting of paper and paper packaging tape by Emma Hardy is aptly titled “Packages.” This construction consists of five individual figures orbiting a tree at the center of the piece. This tree, in the artist's words, “serves as both the physical and thematic heart of the installation.” The surprising strength of her material allows for an intimate physical inspection by the viewer. One must gaze into the center of the tree, which holds a series of mirrors that can distort perception and prompt a period of personal reflection. The five orbiting figures are of various ages. These individuals represent friends, parents, children or other integral parts of the human social blueprint. By navigating your own way through this installation's individual parts you are tempted to form your own personal “package.”

 

Sabin Aell contemplates global society's ability, or lack thereof, to maintain our quality of life. Her installation is a large scale model for economist Mark Anielski's concept of Genuine Wealth as expressed in his book “The Economics of Happiness.” This idea provides an alternative to outdated methods of economic growth and accounting models. Instead, it considers quality of values and capabilities or potential as our most valuable assets. Aell says, “Metaphorically, this installation can be seen as a medium I use to shift focus from past economic concepts of wealth to a genuine well-being of every human self.” Her three dimensional installation is a series of obsolete billboards that have been deconstructed and recycled into large, organic forms. Then, using these as a series of canvases, the viewer's previous association with the billboards purpose is redefined through vibrant color and complex patterns.