“Thoughts Like These,” an art exhibit by Mary Bergs which is currently featured at the Century College Art Gallery, highlights a collection of Bergs’s installations utilizing multiple different mediums including drawing, photography, found objects, and more. Bergs is able to masterfully transform ordinary everyday items such as paper bags, and random pieces of paper into captivating art pieces.
This gallery is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Monday through Thursdays, or by appointment, in W2090. The final day the exhibit is open is 5/1/24. The final day the gallery is open will also feature an artist talk with Mary Bergs from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
The Century Times: Who are some of your biggest inspirations when it comes to art?
Mary Bergs: I am inspired by the work of the Arte Povera artists. Arte Povera was an Italian art movement of the 1960s exploring the notion of space and language, unconventional materials and critiques the commercialization of art. Another important inspiration is the Japanese Mono-ha movement of the same period. Their aim was to bring things together allowing the juxtaposed objects to speak for themselves.
TCT: What draws you to found object art?
MB: Found objects are a part of my art work which also includes drawings, collage and photography. All of these elements are used to create spatial narratives, or situations. My work is better described as Installation.
TCT: What do you look for when finding objects to turn into art pieces?
MB: I look for objects based on their shape, size and texture. The objects are used as compositional elements in the installations.
TCT: What do you hope people can take away from “Thoughts Like These”?
MB: I do not have a specific intention for viewers of the work. I want to create a situation that invites viewers to have an awareness in the gallery that is not directed by me, but that opens up an opportunity to pay attention to everyday experience in the gallery and outside of the gallery.
TCT: What are some challenges you find when working with found object art?
MB: As with many art forms it can be challenging to know when something is done. In my work I try to be a strong editor and not include more than what is needed by the piece. It is a process of looking and living with the work until it becomes clear.
