Category: Past Exhibitions

Compulsive Narratives: Stories That MUST Be Told

January 16 – April 26, 2014

Compulsive Narratives: Stories that MUST be Told, guest curated by Cheryl Harper, presents graphic novelists John “Derf” Backderf, Julie Doucet, Ellen Forney, Justin Green, Sandy Jimenez, Peter Kuper, David Small, Lance Tooks, Carol Tyler, and Gilad Seliktar. The comics-inspired works of sculptors Mark Newport and Melissa Stern, painters Hiro Sakaguchi and Arpita Singh, and printmaker Marcus Benavides dialogue with original drawings from the graphic novels where compulsive narratives unfold.

Graphic novels are often considered book-length comics. The word “comix,” is an adulteration of the word “comics,” referring to self-published books or comic strips, often produced by small presses especially for underground adult audiences.

Image: Derf Backderf, From My Friend Dahmer, 2012 (detail), pen and ink, 14” x 11”

Related Events:

Dark Eye Glances: Romantic Impulse in Landscape

Dark Eye Glances

November 11 – December 20, 2013
Stedman Gallery

Although the period formally known as Romanticism waned around the middle of the 19th century, almost all 20th century art is rooted in the individualism of the Romantic tradition, an impulse that continues into the 21st century as a viable current. Among the many aspects of Romanticism that survive are: primitivism, love of nature, interest in the past, mysticism, subjectivity, and a reaction against modern civilization and the nefarious effects of its industry and technology.

(re)collecting, (re)constructing: Scott Pellnat and Allen C. Topolski

September 9 – October 30, 2013
Scott Pellnat and Allen C. Topolski

Scott Pellnat and Allen C. Topolski both accepted the invitation to create new work for the Stedman Gallery; this exhibition presents two sculptors who transform found materials and objects in magically illusory ways. Scott Pellnat’s installation of a flying squadron and Allen Topolski’s domestic appliances intrigue the viewer, who might wonder what the original material or source could have been and what the function of the new object is, all the while recognizing the familiar aspects of these artworks. The viewer is drawn into examining these objects through this recognition, attempting to decipher the illusions that these artists have insinuated in their creations.