Michelle Grabner

Michelle Grabner is a multidisciplinary artist known for her meticulous, process-oriented approach to abstraction. Active since the early 1990s, she has conducted an enduring investigation into the intricacies of patterns and repetitive formations. While her artistic methodology shares affinities with historical antecedents, particularly those that delve into the complexities and paradoxes of originality, her work surpasses mere replication or tribute, thereby challenging conventional notions of sameness and uniformity. Her handcrafted gestures emphasize the subtle variations that exist among objects, visual images, and other forms of representation. In her practice, Grabner explores what could be described as "unstable Similitude"—a concentration on the attribute of similarity that still allows for distinct experiential nuances. This concept is akin to how daily routines can appear externally consistent, while each occurrence evokes a unique set of sensory and emotional responses. Her affinity for grid-based compositions stems from a reflective study of behavioral patterns and social conditions, which includes feminist inquiries into the historical lineage of textile arts and the traditions of pattern creation.