The Sun’s Gentle Marks

Curated by Simeen Anjum

As we step into the sunshine season in the Pacific Northwest, Sharon Svec’s practice comes to life. She has created a unique technique that uses the sun to imprint images onto fabric. This approach is deeply rooted in her love for expression, nature, and the universe.

Photographs are carefully composed or selected, then edited and printed as negatives on transparency. These transparencies are exposed onto the fabric under direct sunlight. The sunlight imprints the images onto the fibers, creating a natural, ephemeral connection between the digital and organic worlds. Additional layers are stenciled with spray paint, adding depth and complexity to the work.

Through the creation and display of this work, Sharon reconciles her own struggle between the digital and natural worlds. Her work evokes a sense of peaceful meditation, inviting viewers to reflect on the interplay between the two realms. It draws viewers into a reflective, contemplative space.

The exhibition was held in the public hallway of the White Gallery, located in the Smith Memorial Student Union at Portland State University, from March to May 2025.