Georgia artist Paula Reynaldi turns a humble material into something extraordinary: masking tape sculptures.
The artist: Reynaldi was born and grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she studied music and art. Then worked as a cellist and a music teacher.
In 2021, she moved to the United States, first to Iowa City, where she continued her music studies while taking classes in visual arts at the University of Iowa.
She moved in 2006 to Athens, GA, to study sculpture at the University of Georgia. Currently, Reynaldi is a graduate student at UGA in art education.
The studio: The artist has a studio at home and a smaller one at the UGA school of art. Many times she works outside for events or on outdoor installations.
From music to art: After taking some art classes and moving to UGA, Reynaldi found that art helped her better communicate — beyond language barriers and cultural differences – with people.
The art & materials: Vessels and other sculptures using intricately folded archival, acid-free masking tape in different widths and colors. The tape, from Pro Tapes and Specialties, is resilient and does not change over time. Other materials include: mirrors, LED lights and frames.
Why masking tape: It is a material that has a supportive role in art and can be immediately trashed after use.
“It is, in its nature, to curl and be sticky,” said Reynaldi. “It is easy to tear, and looks delicate, but is resistant as well. It is light, and lets light beam through.”
What’s popular: Framed pieces made with acid-free masking tape ($200 to $500). Also prints of her art ($30 to $100).
Other favorites: Installations in the woods and those with lights. Installations are temporary and site specific.
Inspiration: Nature and the woods around Athens. Two years ago, she started a series of outdoor installations on the trails. Reynaldi called the series “Bosque,” the Spanish word for woods.
By integrating her art with the woods, Reynaldi wants to show that art is part of a much larger world.
Fun, special or unusual request: An outdoor installation for a garden wedding.
Big break (s):
– Exhibits at the Georgia Museum of Contemporary Art in Atlanta, 2019 and 2020.
– Light Installation “Luz” at the Lyndon House Art Center in Athens, 2020.
– Participation in the 2021 ArtFields competition, a nine-day art competition in Lake City, SC.
Awards:
– Gathered Exhibition Prize: Georgia Artists Selecting Georgia Artists at MOCA GA, Atlanta, 2019.
– UGA 4’33’’ competition, which highlights scholarly research by UGA students about any art or a combination of art forms. Reynaldi was honored for her outdoor installations at the Oconee Forest Park in Athens, 2020.
Note: 4’33” is an homage to John Cage’s landmark composition 4’33”
Honors:
– Part of the 2020 Latinx exhibition at the MOCA GA in Atlanta.
– Had a solo exhibition in 2019 in Buenos Aires, her hometown.
Latest work: Part of “Light,” a 2021 juried exhibit at the Athica gallery in Athens. Through Oct. 5.
What’s next: Exhibits at:
- University of Southern Mississippi Gallery of Art and Design in Hattiesburg, MS. Oct. 14 to Nov. 5.
- Marietta Cobb Museum of Art in Marietta. Jan. 8 to March 20.
Where to buy: At [email protected] or on Instagram (@paulareynaldi) to buy available pieces, commission new ones or visit her studio in Athens.
Get social at:
– Facebook & Instagram: @paulareynaldi
– Website: paulareynaldi.com
