The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

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Student art explores natural and artificial surroundings

Graduate student Mitra Fabian presented “Room for recovery,” a sculptural exhibition that seeks to tread fine lines between beauty and disfigurement, at CSUN’s West Gallery on Saturday.

Fabian, who said her creative instinct lies in capturing moments of mortality, created and displayed her work in fulfillment of the requirements of the Master of Fine Arts degree.

She said her work is a vague allusion to abnormal growths and tumors.

The sculptures presented-made mostly of Scotch tape-resemble tumors, enlarged cells, and various organs of the human body such as breasts and genitals.

Fabian said she used tape to make use of an artificial and disposable product and transformed it into something that appeared natural.

Examined closely, the sculptures look like good examples of science gone wrong.

There is a presence of hair on organs, growing where it is not supposed to. Fabian used it because “hair is something very potent.”

She said that abnormality is a mysterious place, the thing that is not supposed to happen. And wanted to focus attention on what is neglected.

In her display, she placed furniture along with the sculptures, such as a chair, mirror and a mat as a “semi-domestic” setting, which she said helps “reinforce a human connection to the artwork.”

Fabian believes there is a “fine line between what is beautiful and grotesque.”

She hopes that people will look closely and be provoked by what they see.

“If they are grossed out, it’s a good thing,” said Fabian, who said she constantly grapples with the issue of humans destroying natural things. Her work reflects her concerns for the environment.

“Room for recovery” will be on display through April 14.

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