Here, we ask an artist about the essential details behind a recent work.
Bio: Lizzi Bougatsos, Manhattan aka Turtle Island.
Title of work: Is That All There Is (SHOWTIME).
Where to see it: Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Florida
Three words to describe this work: Eloquent, connotative, river.
What was on your mind at the time: Spills, water, stains, perspective, authenticity, pandemic, preservation, domesticity, late 60’s, conceptualism, Nancy Holt, freedom, fantasy and escape. Frame within a Frame, existentialism, and comedy.
An interesting feature that’s not immediately noticeable: The treatment of the inner frame resembles a stage.
How the work reflects your practice as a whole: It nods to entertainment, a performance and is presented appropriately, which is important in my work. Often the glue or nails, display items are intended and part of the work.
One song that captures the work’s essence: “Is That All There Is,” by Peggy Lee.
