“DREAMING OF EDEN” NEON SCULPTURE ON PHOTOGRAPHY

“DREAMING OF EDEN” 2020 is a glass neon text sculpture spelling “eden” mounted on archival photograph by the artist, “Cascade of Lillies,” face mounted to 1/4″ acrylic with steel stand off mounts, electrical transformer. The artwork is part of a new series of works by Indira Cesarine combining neon text with her medium format flora photography, emphasizing ethereal contemporary surrealism.

“I have been exploring themes of Surrealism in my work since my very first forays into photography back in the late 80’s. Experimental darkroom techniques such as solarization and double exposures have played an important part of my visual narrative, which also often employs nuances of fractured light. While studying for my degree in Art History at Columbia University in Paris I became very interested in the history of Surrealism, and wrote a 30 page paper, “Surréalisme, Sexualité, et La Femme,” on the male gaze and misogyny of many of the original Surrealists. Presenting an empowering female perspective on images of women has always been an important part of my work. Explorations of female identity, sexuality, dreams and desires have been returning themes in my artwork since I first started creating. In the early 2000s, I expanded from the still frame and works on canvas and paper to moving images, with experimental filmmaking and video art. As my work has evolved, I have become inspired by creating 3 dimensional works in glass and steel that further propel my visual language. My sculptures explore themes of female identity, symbolism and experience, employing a technical emphasis on light and reflection, often combining figurative sculpture with neon or video display to further engage a multifaceted experience.”