THE FOCUS

Beyond Indexicality curated by Masha Vlasova "A rich tradition of aesthetic theory claims that film and photography are inescapably indexical.  Indexicality names the phenomenon of an object inscribing itself onto a surface and leaving a mark—evidence of its past presence. This mark—footprint in mud, fingerprint on a document—is an index. In film photography, light traveling through a lens and onto the sensitive emulsion-covered surface leaves a latent image from the moment the shutter...

Curatorial Statement:  “The reality of time and space during the pandemic is for many one of limited physical space yet expanded by what we discover through the window of our screen. The 15th century artist Leon Battista Alberti writes in his Treatise On Painting that artists should “design their paintings as illusionary windows thru which viewers would be able to perceive a new reality.” During this time of social distancing and altered schedules and routines, I’ve been thinking a lot ab...

Curatorial Statement: “Silent Violence is a humble attempt at curating a visual representation of astral realms. In my brief human journey, I have had the benediction of tasting and seeing the glory of Nature's splendor. Through Her plant teachers, I’ve seen the way She leads the beautiful abstraction we call human existence; a psychonauts journey of the mind. Many splendorous travels have led me to plant medicines that have altered my reality and caused a magnificent rebirth within. The cura...

Curatorial Statement: "Many of us are taught as children to avoid “airing out dirty laundry.” Starting with the secrets collected about our families, we are carefully instructed what can and cannot be shared. As we grow older, we are taught first-hand the negative impact of dirty laundry being aired, the first time a friend breaks our trust or we break theirs, the importance of secret keeping is established. In adulthood we learn that dirty laundry has a line, one that is d...

Curatorial Statement: "Each of these artists finds their way of highlighting the relationship between the material and pictorial qualities of their work. Pattern and image work in conjunction with material, be it paint, caulk, woven fabric, or found plastics. These are selections where I see both as equal players, where one makes the other. It is this combination, this quality in an artwork, that makes me linger, digest, and return – an unfolding experience that rewards close looking." Featuring Eleanor Al...

Curatorial Statement: “Bodies Bigger Than Eyes brings together six artists who are working with the body—some through the use of abstraction and fragmentation of the body into its parts, and others through the use of everyday objects or props that imply utility and human presence. Each of these artists is engaged with their materials and the crafting of space in ways that do not just allude to the body, but also require its presence. We, as viewers, are pr...

NOTE: This is the first feature in a new blog series called "Selects". This is a space where we will publish online-only art exhibitions. We're pleased to kick off this new series with a show curated by Huntsville, Alabama based artist and independent curator Brian Edmonds. Featuring Emily Bivens, Eric Cagley, Sydni Gause, Cody Tumblin, and Christina Renfer VogelCuratorial Statement: "I selected these artists because of their use of various materials and methods to create a sense of place or...