for more information, visit www.ddpgallery.com
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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – October 14, 2008 - ddp gallery presents A Taxonomy of Wounds: Photographs by Amjad Faur AND Noctilucent: Paintings by Preston Graves. The exhibition is from October 15, 2008 – November 22, 2008. A reception for the artists will be held on Thursday October 16th from 5-8pm. The gallery is located at 7 East Mountain Street, between Fayetteville’s historic Downtown Square and North College Avenue.
Two artists who explore and reveal mystery in their respective works come together at ddp gallery. Painter, Preston Graves of Seattle, Washington and Northwest Arkansas photographer, Amjad Faur, first met while working on Masters degrees at University of Oregon/Eugene – proving that creative relationships forged in the university setting continue afterwards.
Photographer Amjad Faur has previously shown with ddp gallery and Dede Peters, gallery owner with a degree in photography herself, understands Faur’s aesthetic. “We have amazing discussions about technical aspects as well as content in contemporary photography.” Faur suggested a joint exhibition with friend and former co-student, Preston Graves. “At first, I didn’t think it would be a good match, the images that Preston emailed me where difficult to decipher.” Faur invited Peters to see some of Graves’ work in person, “Seeing the depth, the layers in the work changed my mind. Preston’s work cannot be experienced through a monitor.”
Painter, Preston Graves, constructs dioramas with a subterranean affect. He then uses his creations as subject matter for his paintings - reflecting the dark, cavernous feelings of his dioramas. Layered with objects and lit with a single light source, Graves successfully uses various mediums to translate the diorama’s intrigue onto panels. His technique allows him create tension between super flat paint and layers of acrylic medium. He paints purposed patterns that are at odds with a pictorial luminosity. “The paintings must be viewed in person, and then again and again – they are filled with little intricacies, waiting to be discovered,” says Peters. In the series, Noctilucent, Graves allows the viewer to be drawn into the works - creating an individual, mysterious exploration.
A Taxonomy of Wounds is explained with a story. Photographer, Amjad Faur delivers the idea in a series of 11 selenium-toned black and white photographs. The story is about a man who tries to express a notion, but finds he cannot – not with words, or tools or renderings. The resulting images were created from elaborate sets; Faur using a 4×5 camera. The large format camera gives negatives measuring 4 by 5 inches; Faur then contact printed them in the darkroom. The detail produced is exacting and given today’s frequent use of pixel manipulation, it is difficult to believe no trickery was used in camera or in the printing process. Part of this is because Faur chose to work with film and Agfa Classic, a paper that is no longer manufactured. Faur carefully choose the entire presentation, from paper, to mat, to frame – to present the story. Still lifes, many created on-location, show the man’s struggle with translating his message. They include a flame hovering above a draped table, a meteorite shrouded in cloth, and a traditional still-life that is propped with charred items. Other elements of A Taxonomy of Wounds are
depicted with such images as a dark cave - guarded by theatre curtains, a hand stuck in a web of twine, and a face – only partially revealed. The series leaves the viewer desperate to understand – empathic to the plight - to keep viewing until something is captured.
More information about Preston Graves, Amjad Faur and ddp gallery can be found at www.ddpgallery.com or by calling (479) 442-0001.
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ddp gallery presents Dreadful Objects: Shane Richey and Jason Clinton Barnes. The exhibition is from July 9 – August 9, 2008. A reception for the artists will be held on Thursday July, 10 from 5-8pm. The gallery is located at 7 East Mountain Street, between Fayetteville’s historic Downtown Square and North College Avenue.
“Dreadful Objects”, an exhibition sure to provoke discussion, features works on paper and video installation by Jason Clinton Barnes and Shane Richey, recent graduates from the Masters Program at the University of Arkansas Art Department. Barnes’ intense analytical eye for detail, coupled with Richey’s pithy sense of delivery join in providing a startlingly clever and endlessly entertaining summer showcase.
Both artists work in the medium of ideas, each pushing the boundaries of the artist/viewer relationship while confronting the notion of fact. Barnes’ large-scale drawings on paper (the largest at 8 feet by 8 feet) display his personal struggle with American history as presented in textbooks. The work, elaborate combinations of painting, pencil and marker, seamlessly combine American heroes with modern day pop culture icons in a graphic retelling of the quest for the American Dream. Richey uses mounted televisions, looped video feeds and sound to involve the viewer. His belief is communication, especially in modern journalism, is telling a story– influenced by agendas and advertising dollars. Richey’s installation invites a critical dialogue between artist and audience about the true nature of objective broadcasting.
‘Dreadful Objects’ was co-curated by Dede Peters, the gallery owner, and Robin Atkinson, best known for her work with Art Amiss, Inc. ‘Dreadful Objects’ promises to be the most entertaining, challenging and delightful art showcase of the season.
For more information about ‘Dreadful Objects’ or the DDP Gallery, or to schedule and interview with Dede Peters or Robin Atkinson, please call Dede at 479-442-0001 or email at dede@ddpgallery.com
