Organic Mix Busterís Huge Abstract Installations Resemble Familiar Objects by Carolyn Chapman Kendall Busterís drawings, models and large-scale installation sculptures, now on view at The Kreeger Museum, combine the artistís fascination with biology, technology and architecture. What results is an intriguing array of abstract, organic, neutrally colored structures that evoke familiar shapes. Although all of her structures resemble cell-like objectsóBusterís undergraduate microbiology major has heavily influenced her career as an artistóthey also resemble objects such as igloos, honeycombs, anthills and barnacles. In ìKendall Buster: Inventory of Imagined Places,î different points in Busterís career are represented, ìbut itís not really a retrospective,î said Buster. Itís more a representation of the way her ideas progress from paper to large-scale models and sculptures. A big component of this exhibition is Busterís drawings, and this is the first time she has exhibited them as part of a show. ìSome represent ideas that have been actually constructed, some may come to life someday, and some just stay on paper,î the artist explained. One unique work in the exhibition is ìCells,î a group of eight large (nearly five feet tall), identical and inflatable white cubes constructed from the same material that is used to make rafts. Going against the usual ìlook but donít touchî museum rule, visitors are encouraged to interact with these cells. Buster would like people to make their way through themórather than simply looking at themóand in the process essentially become another ìcell.î The cells occupy an entire room at the Kreeger and are arranged side by side with a small amount of space in between, although for other exhibitions they have been arranged differently, sometimes stacked on top of each other. Buster has another piece at the Kreeger as part of a long-term exhibition that is displayed on the museumís lawn. ìGarden Snare,î built particularly for the site, is also interactive. The large green structure has two open tall chambers, which the artist has described as a sanctuary that suggests a trap. In addition, Buster recently completed a large-scale sculptural work for Washingtonís new convention center, which she expects to be installed some time within the next few months. The piece, which is 12 feet by 25 feet, will be suspended from the ceiling and ìwas conceived as a floating city and mimics architectural models,î said Buster. Busterís work is not new to Washington, or to the Kreeger. She was born in Alabama but lived in Washington since the late í70s, until her recent move to Richmond to teach at Virginia Commonwealth Universityís sculpture department. Busterís pieces are best viewed from all angles. The complex structures, many of which are made of steel and paper, feel organic and architectural at the same time. They are often displayed differently at various shows. At times she suspends the pieces; other times they are displayed at eye level or they sit on the floor to be looked at from above. The structures take on entirely different meanings depending on how they are viewed, but whatever the arrangement, Busterís offbeat works leave the viewer with a sense of awe and wonder. ìKendall Buster: Inventory of Imagined Placesî runs through June 21 at The Kreeger Museum, 2401 Foxhall Road, NW. For more information, please call (202) 337-3050 or visit www.kreegermuseum.org. Carolyn Chapman is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C.