With traditional hand papermaking at its core, Pulped Under Pressure: the Art of Handmade Paper underscores important contemporary issues steeped in history and craft. Enticed through touch, these works encourage a contemplative slowing down even as they urge acknowledgement of some of the most pressing issues (environmental crisis to global marginalization) facing civilization today. Each artist featured in Pulped Under Pressure starts simply with a foundation of pulp made from natural fibers. Their results incorporate printmaking, letterpress, papercutting, and installation with recycled disposable materials (junk mail, egg cartons, old cotton t-shirts, ripped denim jeans) as well as old bed sheets, beetroot, heirloom plants, and illuminated el wires. In very unique ways, these artists consider paper beyond its most common function as a passive surface of record or craft. Instead, the material is transformed and imbedded with content that turns communication into a public practice. By challenging assumptions, the artists of Pulped Under Pressure: the Art of Handmade Paper create artworks that are both beautiful and brave. Organized by Wylie Contemporary, Inc, Virginia. 

Artists
Jillian Bruschera, Julia Goodman, Reni Gower, Trisha Oralie Martin, Melissa Potter, Marilyn Propp, Maggie Puckett. Preview the artist biographies and statements. Preview the curatorial statement and historical overview.

Objects
Over 30 artworks, including 2D wall mounted works, 3D installations, handmade books, video, and a site-specific interactive installation by Maggie Puckett (optional). Approximately 250 running feet. 
 
Images
A sampling of exhibition images may be found below. Click on images for full size viewing. 

Venues
TCC Visual Arts Center, Portsmouth, VA | Jan 16 – Mar 3, 2016
Monmouth Museum, Lincroft, NJ | Mar 19 - May 7, 2017
University of Mary Washington Galleries, Fredericksburg, VA | Sep 7 - Oct 15, 2017
Kohler Gallery, Lawrence University, Appleton, WI | Jan 14 - Mar 17, 2018
Visual Arts Center, Boise State University, Boise, ID | Aug 15 - Nov 1, 2018
A.D. Gallery, University of North Carolina Pembroke, Pembroke, NC | Jan 10 - Feb 20, 2019
Eleanor D. Wilson Museum of Art, Hollins University, Roanoke, VA | Aug 1 - Dec 15, 2019
Dennos Museum Center, Northwestern MI College, Traverse City, MI | Jan 19 - May 24, 2020
Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue, WA | Jan 29 - Jul 4, 2021
Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts, Spring, TX | Sept 11 - Dec 12, 2021
J. Wayne Stark Galleries at Texas A&M Univ, College Station, TX | Jan 1 - Mar 20, 2022
Grace Hudson Museum, Ukiah, CA | Apr 23 - Aug 13, 2022
University of Southern Maine Art Galleries, Gorham, ME | Sept 15 - Dec 9, 2022