Butler Center, Concordia Hall
APRIL 8TH - AUGUST 27TH 2016
OPENING FRIDAY, APRIL 8TH 5-8 PM
GALLERY HOURS: MONDAY-SATURDAY: 9 A.M.- 6 P.M.
Here are some of my thoughts after a day spent installing the show:
I very much believe in the all-female critique group as a conducive environment to support an individuals art practice. I have noticed how members become more confident about their work. Having other people take the time to create dialog, to interpret, and to look deeply at your work is very important for an artist. Too often artists work in isolation, without really knowing what their audience thinks of their work. A viewer in a gallery setting might be quick to say nice things, but a deeper conversation which includes criticism or difficult concepts is often not possible. Within the safety of the collective, we have the opportunity to really push each other to make the best work we possibly can. We still live in a culture where it's almost impossible for women to be seen as creative equals to their male contemporaries. The narrative of the brilliant male artist continues to make it more difficult for women artists to receive exhibitions, opportunities, employment, critical press, etc. (Just look at the stats of the Delta Exhibition over the years- mostly men. And you know, it's mostly women graduating with MFAs....)
I am part of the collective because I truly believe in the power of women artists to make brilliant work. This show is proof of that. I want to support these amazing people. To share in their success and walk with them through their failures. I feel deep gratitude for each of these women. For the time they take to drive for our meetings. For the investment they are making in the arts. For our shared struggle to make deeply felt, skilled, inspiring, and culture shaping art works.
Culture Shock is a multi-disciplinary collective of Arkansas artists committed to exploring significant contemporary issues through the use of varied artistic practice to engage each other and the public. Artists featured in this exhibition include Melissa Cowper-Smith, Melissa Gill, Tammy Harrington, Dawn Holder, Jessie Hornbrook, Holly Laws, Sandra Luckett, Morgan Page, and Rachel Trusty.
