Lori-Ann Bellissimo

‘Site Specific’, a solo exhibition by Canadian Lori-Ann Bellissimo at Gallerie TAKSU, culminates the artist’s two-month sojourn as recipient of TARP - TAKSU Artist Residency Program - in Kuala Lumpur. The outcome, an abstract series of round, square and horizontal tableau are autobiographical yet refrain from being too confessional. Bellissimo references terrestrial observations, star and zodiac constellations in mapping life experiences and personal journeys.

The ‘Dalai Lama’ and ‘Marilyn Monroe’ are circular pieces that serve as a continuation of  the ‘Galileo’s Assistant’ series from 2007/8. Using Baltic birch as support, Bellissimo uses astrological birth charts of famous and iconic personalities, finds their alignments and uses colour to represent her perception of the person. ‘Marilyn Monroe’, pop icon, has a palette of colours that suggests make-up, foundation, lipstick, her infamous white dress, lace for naughtiness and perhaps a girlish attitude. ‘Dalai Lama’, spiritual leader, has a red that resembles the colour of the Tibetan monk robes. Red is also for blood, passion and bravery. Gold seems to be for his noble and regal bearings. Bellissimo has also chosen local Malaysian celebrities, for her visual interpretations on black Plexiglas discs, such as Rose Chan, P.Ramlee, Sudirman, Anita Sarawak and Singaporean Fann Wong.

Just arrived at TAKSU, Bellissimo’s ‘Site Specific: Day In’ and ‘Site Specific: Day Out’ are atmospheric surveys of the new surroundings. It is the leaves, the plants, and the lush tropical garden; the temperature, the humidity, light and space; introductions and acquaintances; exterior and interior. First impressions depicted in blue, green and cadmium red hues flash through layers of translucent white resin.

Using Google Earth to roam the globe in virtual reality and locate her current co-ordinates: TAKSU, Bukit Keramat, Kuala Lumpur; Bellissimo uses the Night Sky application to mirror her point of view. One is looking down at the map of the world and the other looking up to the sky; stargazing. The dimension of time is added in as Past, Present and Future. ‘Site Specific: What Was’ is about the historical sky above Gallerie TAKSU using icons such as Leo, Virgo, Aquarius… ‘What Is’ depicts a specific time in April and ‘What Shall Be’ depicts the opening night of the ‘Site Specific’ exhibition.

In tandem, ‘The Night Sky: Historical Map’, ‘The Night Sky: Solar System In Motion’ and ‘The Night Sky: Chandra Sky’ paintings  corresponds to ‘What Was’, ‘What Is’ and ‘What Shall Be’ accordingly to represent yesterday, today (now!) and tomorrow, still using the heavens above. The transparent Plexiglas support is etched, drilled into, engraved and painted with vivid colours and shapes that floats and form a larger picture. Intricate patterns of historical icons and modern constellations also glow in the dark adding yet another dimension to the works.

A kaleidoscope of fragmented patterns and objects suggest the shifting vision, rapid motion and environments carried into another dimension. This panorama on canvas or Plexiglas is like a time warp, embalmed under a thick veneer of the clearest resin. Set against a deep blue wall in the installation, we see life as glittering sparks in a midnight sky.

Noor Mahnun Mohamed

Site Specific - an exhibition in Kuala Lumpur