Max Ernst (German, 1891–1976), L’oeil du silence (The Eye of Silence), 1943–44. Oil on canvas, 43 ¼ x 56 ¼". University purchase, Kende Sale Fund, 1946.
Workshop: Decalcomania, Elements of Chance
Decalcomania is a transfer technique in which ink, paint, or another medium is spread onto a smooth surface while still wet and then pressed onto another material such as paper or glass. The resulting pattern can be used to create a unique composition of unexpected shapes, natural formations, architectural elements, or mythical creatures. This chance-based technique was adopted by the Surrealists to create imagery that involved change and instability rather than conscious artistic mark-making.
Join us for a 60-minute art-making workshop inspired by Max Ernst’s paintings L’oeil du silence (The Eye of Silence) and The Endless Night led by artist Rachel Lebo. During this hands-on experience, participants will learn how to incorporate the decalcomania technique into paintings and drawings.
This event is designed in conjunction with the Gallery Talk led by Sabine Eckmann on December 10 at 2 pm.
The program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Limited to 20 participants. (If registration is full, email kempereducation@wustl.edu to add your name to the waiting list.)
About the facilitator
Rachel Lebo grew up on the east coast in Baltimore County, Maryland. She currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri, working across media in painting, sculpture, and storytelling. She likes to step into other characters in order to explore ideas and herself. Rachel teaches at multiple universities in St. Louis and is a wedding DJ on the weekends.
In 2019 Rachel earned her MFA in visual arts from Washington University in St. Louis. She is the recipient of the Ernestine Betsberg and Arthur Osver Scholarship, a Dubinsky Scholarship to study at the Fine Arts Work Center, the Graduate School Production Grant, and the Graduate Student Travel Grant. She has been featured in All the Art magazine and has shown in Richmond, Baltimore, and around the St. Louis area.