Settle in

Artists Abby Cheney, Rina AC Dweck, and Hanna Washburn present “Settle in,” a collaborative exhibition constructed from recycled and repurposed materials.

We are three artists whose work incorporates clothing, furniture, household items, recyclables, and other materials that have former lives and associations. Using materials with an original intended purpose as our medium, we address the hierarchy of objects and functionality. Though the resulting sculptures may resemble objects found in the kitchen, living room, or bathroom, rather than clearly define their purpose we question the impulse to assign objects particular identities.

Our practices involve an intuitive way of working, and we find value in the histories of our materials. Each of us has a slightly different material language: Abby works with recycled cardboard and packing materials; Rina uses synthetic hair, lashes, and beauty products; Hanna employs recycled clothing, furniture, and domestic objects.

As individual artists, we respond to the everyday materials of our personal lives. As our collective, Rule of Three, we respond to each other’s perspectives to create a shared world, a complex compound of stories, memories, and associations.