Interpolation D from Con(jug)ate 4 (1976). c. 2'x4'x2'. Provenance

"At the Bertha Urdang Gallery, Betty Collings' show is cerebral and complex, providing both objects of physical beauty and intellectual stimulation - the latter quality having been lacking in much of contemporary art emerges here with great success. It should be appreciated that serious, well-thought out shows have become the expected high standard at Urdang.

One of the premises of Collings' work is an analytical approach to form; she chooses a specific shape and then proceeds to "work through it" systematically constructing the logical reductions and growth patterns of it, producing a sequence of pieces derived from rotating and shifting the original object along symmetrical planes. Her medium is transparent, pliable vinyl, sealed at critical points and inflated with air. The "inflatables" are accompanied by schematic drawings, systems of colored dots and dashes devised by Collings from which each vinyl piece could be precisely reconstructed. These blueprints for the inflatables are artworks in and of themselves. With their mechanical exactitude and esoteric symbols, they are an enlightening and interesting complement to the sculptures, which, with their clear, airy, organic forms are compelling contradictions of the descriptive diagrams.

Through the development of her visual mathematical formulae (in both two-and three-dimensionas, Collings explores the process of thought itself-with her works she has proved that visualization is a valid and workable alternative method of reasoning. It forms an internal reciprocal relationship between itself and thought. In the respect that one arrives at a logical solution to an intellectual problem, so Collings arrives at a similarly logical resolution of form - a step-by-step examination of the whole, sequencially considering each component of that whole in order to fully understand it.

Asked why she does not work in more traditonal sculptural media, i.e. solid, opaque masses, Collings cites greater flexability is achieved with the inflatables as well as a "lsck of connotation" regarding the medium, thus allowing the morphic forms to be a "product of what they are".

Betty Collings work is impressive, unique, and challenging. There is a vital interplay between her visual concepts and intellectual concepts which distinguishes her art and elevates it above much of the current art scene. This is truly outstanding work.