Building 3, ROOM 100
August 21, 2009 to October 11, 2009
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Art Exhibition
Admission: Free, Open to public
Parking: Main Parking Lot
North Carolina-based artist Amanda Barr presents works that explore the intersection of suffering, spirituality and humor in Public Healing, a new exhibition curated by Branch Gallery.
Drawing from her surroundings and personal experience, Barr incorporates familiar cultural idioms and imagery, playing with the childlike sense of wonder that comes from the discovery of the natural world. Though she employs materials and aesthetic practices that are usually associated with craft – such as ceramics, textiles, and papier-mâché – Barr’s objects straddle the line between their utilitarian appearance and aesthetic purpose. The resulting works are vibrant reflections of the artist’s vivid imagination, demonstrating not only dexterity with a range of materials but also an insightful wit.
The works in Public Healing, mine new territory; here, Barr explores the physical and spiritual dimensions of the human body via sculptural, textile and installation works. Flesh Rocks (2009) are sensually nebulous forms in a rainbow of flesh tones, wandering away or clustering together in social groups that might be reflections of our own quirky socio-cultural habits. The installation piece Shaman Blanket (2009) becomes a receptacle for the charms and detritus of creative life and daily experience, where objects ranging from the sacred to the absurd resonate with mock magical significance. A series of new banners and canvas pieces bring to mind the fragility of both the human body and spirit; ripped apart and stitched together again, the works bear the sutures of metaphorical healing. Likewise, an on-site performance at the opening on August 21 will invite the audience to participate in a ritual search for meaning.
Opening reception Friday, August 21, 2009 from 6-9 pm.
About Amanda Barr
Originally from Ashland, Oregon, Barr left the west coast to study at the Rhode Island School of Design, living in New York before settling in North Carolina. Her work has been exhibited across the country at galleries and museums including Branch Gallery (Durham, NC), Lump gallery/projects (Raleigh, NC), Gallery 40000 (Chicago, IL), Guild & Greyshkul (New York), Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (Winston Salem, NC), Cinders Gallery (Brooklyn, NY), and Motel (Portland, OR).
For information and contact details for Branch Gallery, click here.
To learn more about Amanda Barr, including artist bio, exhibitions, images, and press, click here.
