Laurel Fletcher, a local artist, brightens up Memorial Union with her exhibition, “Luminous.”
Fletcher’s art includes various textures and vibrant colors, mostly made of acrylic paint. Her patterns primarily consist of dots, a figure she said she has enjoyed painting since her childhood.
Though Fletcher’s images are abstract, she said she puts a great amount of thought into each piece.
“I try to put different values and colors next to each other,” Fletcher said. “I’ll move some parts of a piece to a different one if it looks better.”
Part of Fletcher’s process involves constant revision. She often pulls old pieces out of storage and refreshes them. She paints over and restarts projects several times.
The artist’s technique is one she has been using for most of her life. Her skills continue to evolve, and she plans to work with different finishing surfaces and materials.
A UW-Madison alumnus, Fletcher spent her years on campus studying anthropology, with a focus on archaeology, as an undergraduate. She learned to do ethnic drawings and illustrated artifacts, which is much different from the art she does today.
Fletcher creates her work while also working as a secretary at the Nelson Institute at UW-Madison. She also holds administrative duties for the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE).
Fletcher knows Madison well after living in the area for several years. She said that she has adored the Memorial Union space, and notices the great design each show has. She applied for an exhibition, and was thrilled to be accepted.
“I hope that people enjoy it,” Fletcher said. “It can be really dark and grey and brown this time of year. I really like going into an exhibit at this time and seeing bright colors. I hope it’s a little taste of something exciting.”
Her art is displayed in the Class of 1925 Gallery from Jan. 25 until Feb. 2. The exhibition will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
