Considering Poundstone's Total Meltdown (Prompt 9)

     Ironically, Virginia Poundstone’s September show invite makes the same sentimental gesture she examines. Flower arrangement artfully posed atop a pedestal, the shows title Total Meltdown appears across the front and is ready for hand delivery. Just like the subject she explores, a subtle gesture meant to engage the viewer personally on a deeper level. Poundstone’s show, Total Meltdown, seems to do just that.

     By looking closely at something as simple as the personal sentiment attached to a flower arrangement (micro level), Poundstone then expands her discussion to include complex topics such as global economy (macro level). In the process, she transforms her original subject, flower arrangements, into something other than their original form, for better or worse. Cast with negative parts left behind, photographed and framed, and reassembled dissected flowers and packaging are all used to full effect to bring into question not only Poundstones concept, but the dubious appeal of the subjects themselves.