Emerging NYC-based artist Lala Abaddon’s journey through the art world started with analog photography and poetry. The idea of creating works that carry more than one story always fascinated her, and Abaddon felt like she found the answer when she wove her first piece. Interested in the process of deconstruction and reconstruction, she decided to cut up multiple existing photographs and weave them into new images.
As Abaddon discovered, these pieces concealed the original photographs within the new, abstract compositions. They also had a unique texture that added a whole different dimension to flat photo prints. Soon enough, the works started getting bigger and the patterns started getting more complex and elaborate. Her initial woven works began as 8 by 10 inch pieces, hand cut using a ruler and a box cutter. Abaddon is now using a stationary rail cutter and has recently finished creating a composition that is comprised of two 30 by 40 inch weaves. This work, along with a couple of other new ones, will be exhibited at a group show organized by Mecka NYC opening tomorrow at Hotel Particulier.
The prints Abaddon used come from her archives, but they’ve been coupled with new photographs and paintings she created for the weaving process. It’s important for her to adjust the flow of the images and see where the contrast areas will be, so she takes her time choosing two prints to merge. These are then enlarged and rephotographed to get the desired pixilated effect.
While abstract at first, her work carries a visual story by juxtaposing intense, gruesome images with delicate ones. Inspired by first love, the nature of reality, time and space, her images stem from complex backstories. The patterns decide the flow and the feel of the finished piece. Sometimes chaotic and other times rhythmic, they communicate with viewers on an emotional level. The organization of each piece might be adapted from traditional weaving patterns, 17th century ornaments, avenue grids or subway grates.
In addition to the Mecka NYC group show with Bast, Judith Supine, Paul Insect, Pryce Lee and Swoon, Abaddon is working on her first solo show coming up in March 2015. The texture and peculiar technique makes the work optimal to experience in person. In the mean time, we bring you some exclusive photos from Abaddon’s studio to shed some light on her creative process.
San Francisco-based artist 
Austrian photographer 
Russian collage artist