Review: Escape to CVS
Among all of the works displayed in the Retrospectrum at the Southeastern Contemporary Art Gallery, “Escape to CVS” by Danielle Fauth is the work that stands out to me the most. Initially, I thought this piece was less eye-catching due to its monochromatic look. However, the more I looked at the sculpture, the deeper the significance of the work began to develop when viewed initially the sculpture was very simple however, once I knew the story behind the sculpture at the emotional value became evident
The sculpture “Escape to CVS” was created based on a memory that Fauth and her sister shared while in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown left the entire world feeling stagnant and alone; however, one reason for leaving the house was to go places to buy essentials. During one particular trip to CVS, the two sisters were informed that a nearby beach would reopen, and they went directly there to spend their day walking on the shore. This memory of breaking away from the monotony of daily routines of getting fresh air and finding joy in an activity as mundane as walking in the sand would become the inspiration for “Escape to CVS.”
Once I understood the context and story behind the sculpture, it completely altered my perception of this piece. To me the sand, which I previously thought was simply a choice of texture, now represented a chance to break away from the monotony of daily life, to become grounded, and to appreciate the little things that helped sustain people during the pandemic’s isolation. The wooden board under the sand represents a combination of both stability and confinement, which can play into the boundaries of lockdown and the safety of home. Fauth has successfully taken what appears to be minimal materials and turned them into a multi layered representation of a common experience that occurred to so many people, but has never been expressed as poignantly.
One aspect of the sculpture that impressed me the most was how something so simple could create a strong nostalgic feeling. Everyone experienced the pandemic in some way. People were forced to slow down and focus on who and what really mattered. Fauth captured that perfectly. This sculpture made me think about my own lockdown days and how I used to think it was terrible to be stuck at home, but eventually, I realized how lucky we were to have had that quality time spent together.
In terms of visual appeal, “Escape to CVS” is successful because it is intentionally understated. The monochromatic color palette creates a focus on emotion rather than flashy colors drawing you in. The viewer is invited to engage with the memory of the beach, the sun and the moment itself rather than having something pull you in to look at it. The restraint in color reflects the quiet restrictions of that time and the freedom in the same constraints. Although other works in the exhibit were louder and more vibrant thoughts, Fauth’s simplicity brought attention to the exhibit through thoughtfulness.
It is Fauth’s ability to take a personal memory and translate that into a feeling that everyone can relate to that makes “Escape to CVS” so effective. It speaks to the human desire for connection. The sculpture does not portray large, bold gestures or colors. Rather, it invites the viewer to recall what it is like to yearn for the simplest sense of normalcy, whether that be a drive, an errand, or a walk on the beach, and find meaning in it.
Ultimately, “Escape to CVS” shows that art does not always have to shock or amaze people to make a lasting impression. Sometimes, the most powerful pieces are those that whisper. Danielle Fauth takes a simple material and makes it a time capsule and a reminder that even in isolation, there can be moments of joy and togetherness. Fauth’s sculpture invites us to pause, reflect, and feel in a world that is constantly moving.
