In my work, I challenge boundaries. Where is the line between plant and animal, beauty and ugliness, chaos and order? I am intrigued by how we, as humans, try to make sense of oppositional ideas, and I use imagery from the natural world to investigate.

I question dualistic assumptions through the manipulation of attraction and repulsion. The inherent beauty of leaves and flowers contrasts with worms, tentacles, and other disconcerting imagery. Unsettling forms are depicted with vibrant colors and pleasing patterns. Looming sinister figures commingle with “scientific” symbols and light-hearted comic book shapes. Traditional norms of beauty and ugliness are thus perturbed.

Website: www.gailwagner.com

Instagram: @gailwagnerart