Exhibitions

CAROUSEL: DRAWINGS BY CHRSITOPHER CAPOYIANES

Slocumb Galleries (ETSU) / 232 Sherrod Dr., Johnson City, TN September 26, 2022 - October 14, 2022

Christopher Capoyianes

ETSU Department of Art & Design and Slocumb Galleries in partnership with Bravissima: Women Sponsoring the Arts, presents Carousel: Drawings by Christopher Capoyianes.

Carousel consists of a collection of monochromatic drawings by Chicago-based artist Christopher Capoyianes. The illustrations playfully address themes of social construction and performance through the guise of religious iconography. Capoyianes's almost atmospheric use of graphite coupled with the uncanny flatness of the picture plane alludes to a sense of oral tradition. As you walk through the galleries, the duality of the narrative begins to unfold.

The overarching theme of Carousal centers around biblical rhetoric combined with the symbolic use of the circus arts. Concepts of theatricality and "masking" come to mind. The duality of this exhibition is enriched by the open-ended question left for the viewer. How will the parable proceed once we leave the gallery? How will we choose to utilize or discard our masks?

Capoyianes has spent the past four years creating this series, but the inspiration spans back to his Catholic upbringing. Capoyianes was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he was encouraged to pursue creative outlets. After earning his BA in English Literature and cultivating a successful career in journalism, Capoyianes turned his sights to visual arts. In 2016 he graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Capoyianes continues to live and work in Chicago.

The Slocumb Galleries are open weekdays from 9 am to 5 p.m. with extended hours during receptions and by appointment.