Going ‘Into the Woods’ at the SCAD MOA
Written by Emma Morris. Photographed by Emma Morris.
New exhibitions are popping up left and right at the SCAD Museum of Art, from photography to abstract furniture. There is certainly no lack of unique concepts and creativity at the museum, but last month an exhibit like nothing the MOA had ever seen before went up. Eva Jospin’s first exhibit in the United States, “Into the Woods,” uses uncommon cardboard and embroidery to transport museum visitors into a fantastical, dreamlike setting.
This experience explores different structures and artworks created with trompe-l’œil and a close attention to detail. You might think you’re stepping into an archway made of wood branches and panels, but it’s actually a carefully curated facade. To enter the exhibit, I had to cross the threshold of an archway that appeared to be made of perfectly cut wood branches and panels. Upon getting closer, I quickly realized that the exhibit was made almost entirely of cardboard. Lining the archway to the exhibit are vitrines with small scenes of wooded areas and building facades that emulate the aesthetic set forward by the initial entrance.
The wonder continues past the threshold with galleries of miniature architectural sculptures, embroidered paintings, cardboard reliefs, and fine-line drawings. One gallery with curved walls was lined floor to ceiling with embroidery depicting a colorful forest scene. Even several children at the museum understood the incredible talent that Jospin possessed; I saw a young girl peruse the gallery, view the thread work and run to her mother, amazed by the smallest of features, colors and artistry of the artwork that surrounded her. This was Jospin’s intention: to capture the eyes and hearts of viewers, and create a sense of wonder and fantasy through intricate designs. Each piece is saturated with Jospin’s exquisite talents and love for detail.
Jospin’s exhibit truly lives up to its name by creating a temporary, transformative world with a variety of media and different types of artwork. The lack of any human imagery allows the viewers to create their own fairytale to accompany Jospin’s work, igniting the imagination of museum-goers of every age. Each exhibit at the SCAD MOA has its charm, but this is certainly one that you’ll want to see. Eva Jospin’s “Into the Woods” will be at the MOA from now until June 7. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the wonder!
