Nathan Meltz
Collapse, 2020
Screenprinted 1980s dot-matrix paper
4 x 4 x 6 feet
$800
"Usually, my work entails fancy technologies and tools like lasers and large-format printers, or pricey materials like fancy rag paper. With the onset of the pandemic, many of these became unavailable or would have put someone at risk to acquire them, so I decided to work with whatever materials I had in my studio at the time of shutdown. I found various screenprint image positives and a dusty, 40-year-old ream of 1980s dot-matrix printer paper. Inspired by these materials, I tell the story of technological and systemic collapse, reflecting not only the collapse of our society happening during pandemic, but also my own emotional and social anguish, loss, and despair. Through this work, I seek to bring beauty, meaning, and clarity to these confusing times.