Paragenetic Interpolations

   

The term paragenetic comes from geology. Simply defined it is rock created when two or more different minerals are pressed close together under geological pressure. (The prefix para indicates beside or together and the root of genetic is to form or become.) So in this sense all assemblage art by its nature is paragenetic in that assemblage is essentially a collection of distinctive parts brought together to form a new singular form.
    To interpolate is to insert between or among others. In math, interpolate is more specifically defined: to insert a term into a series by estimating it or calculating it from surrounding known values. Interpolation is a give and take action where in order to interject something you must first interpret the surroundings, much akin to the way we speak and use words in natural conversation. It could also describe the internal process of viewing art.
   The Paragenetic Interpolations, therefore, are not objects per se but more of a process. The interpolation becomes an interpolation when you, the viewer, insert yourself, your thoughts, amongst the parts and start making connections and formulations. The structure and design of these pieces are meant to provoke you into this process.
    In the spirit of Oulipo the Paragenetic Interpolations are a distillation of my art of assemblage. Here are some questions that will bring you back to the work:
Does it spoil a magic trick when you know how it is done?
When is an object not an object?
What is a narrative?
Is meaning exponential?
Do you seek closure?
Do answers help you or blind you?
Would you prefer to be free or happy?
Did you spend more time reading this than viewing the artwork?

Frank R. Turek October 2006