I went to the Harrison Center for the first time this month. Originally I went to see the We Are Indy Arts show, but I ended up getting way more than I bargained for (which is how art works generally). Be sure to make an appointment, wear your mask and go see the show.
They have several other awesome installations up as well so check them out below.
The closing reception for this show is tomorrow, 9/25/2020 from 5-8pm at Lost Dog Gallery located at 1040 E New York St 46202. Come by and see the show.
Masks are required. We will be at reduced capacity to allow for social distancing. Safety first.
I will be there around 6 to meet the other artists and chat.
Here are a few reviews.
• @jaditmire “Waiting to be Seen”. New photography from Darrell Staggs Photography paired w local artists take on a photo. Clever and a delight to see Lost Dog Gallery #indykeepscreating
Sept 3, 2020
Candid and contemporary reflection by Molly Dykstra of @darrellstaggsphotography photo. His new show Waiting To Be Seen pairs his photos w local artists take on the image. Diverse and creative work by all @lostdoggallery #indykeepscreating
Sept 3, 2020
• @jaditmire Jill A. Ditmire Creative collaboration between Darrell Staggs Photography and local artists like Corey J. Mills. @darrellstaggsphotography photo on left and Coreys abstract interpretation of it on right. Opening night @lostdoggallery
Sept 3, 2020
@jaditmire Safe and successful re-opening show tonight @lostdoggallery “Waiting To Be Seen” @darrellstaggsphotography His photos paired w local artists interpretations of specific photos. Clever!!! Funshow to see. Closing reception Sept 25 #indykeepscreating
Sept 3, 2020
“I really enjoyed your photography show. Having other artists take off on your abstractions had some surprises, because some of your photos were more abstract than others. It is interesting to me to see how artists are concerned with the abstract forms found in everyday life whether they are depicting landscapes, still lifes or portraits. Perhaps seeing the Hopper show at the IMA made me even more interested in forms found in art work. Your interest in using the camera to making photos that depict the reality of life in totally geometric lines and forms through camera adjustment of speed, exposure time, and lens opening rather than later development alterations is very unusual. “
Holliday T. Day, retired senior curator of contemporary art at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
Here’s another review by Jill Ditmire:
Lost Dog Gallery hosted a safe and successful “ re-opening” on Thursday night featuring work from local photographer Darrell Staggs The retired engineer created his show “Waiting To Be Seen” by sharing one of his photos w a handful of local artists asking each to paint their take on the work. The task was much more difficult than one might think. Many artists including Corey Mills went thru multiple canvases before coming up w a final painting. Amy Ward offered a 2D-3D take on an abstract auto photo by painting a racing helmet but making it into a gumball machine. Molly Dykstra weaves the faces of Black Lives Matter into her peaceful and poignant interpretation of Staggs’ floral photo. It’s a clever concept and suits the contemporary bent of Lost Dog- one of Indys new and exciting art studios and gallery. Appointments to see daily plus a closing night reception on the 25th. #curiousmixThursday #indykeepscreating
Jill Ditmire, 7-September Facebook
This show had a press release, which is crazy. And they used things I said… I’m always surprised by stuff like that. It takes me outside of myself. I posted the entire thing below; it features some really interesting commentary from the other artists.
This show has 2 more receptions. I will be attending the Saturday reception on September 12th from 12-3pm. It is free admission and reduced capacity. Wear your mask. See live artwork.
Indianapolis, IN September 1st, 2020
Somewhere, something incredible is… ‘Waiting To Be Seen’; a conceptual art exhibit featuring 17 diverse Indiana artists displaying their visions of selected artworks of photography by experimental photographer Darrell Staggs.
Staggs, an engineer by training and a self-claimed car guy by DNA explained “It’s learning about Art and how Art works.”
His contribution to this show is the nearly 20 pieces selected from hundreds of images he has collected. He admits he purposely selected “personal”, not “predictable”.
He suggests a “predictable” image is one that is easily and universally recognizable because persons have “seen” it many times before. A “personal” image may eventually be recognizable, but in a very unique perspective, or it may be a very abstract perspective.
All of the images are captured, but some may be “created” after capture.
Brinton Farrand, a retired educator who’s studied classical realism at Studio Escalier in France, selected his image based on the people in the photo and the title ‘Crossing Over’. He saw similar ingredients of his work in the time travel, meditation, and introspection elements. He appreciates the obscure and unnoticed point of view.
Kristy Quinn, a Circle City Industrial Complex (CCIC) studio artist, conceptualizes a piece in her mind and then executes the art to match that vision. Quinn thought the elk rib cage, highlighted in the photo she chose, seemed to symbolize arms waiting to embrace the wolf in focus, assuring that even in death the elk will continue to sustain the cycle of life.
Quinn’s most recent pieces have evolved with a theme of “Do you see me?”, to represent social justice viewpoints. An example, Monumental Women, depicts women’s faces
emerging from clay, symbolizing that women deserve their own version of Mt. Rushmore; honoring female voices, leadership, and strength.
Cierra Johnson’s background in graphic design is molded with intense color and extreme tactile surrealistic bends. She favored Somewhere West of Monrovia as her inspiration because she sees symbols of significance to humans in the sky- the afterlife, renewal, and return.
A shared concept to Quinn’s perception.
Johnson begins with the quiet moments of observation and never starts with an empty page.
She does her best to uplift and exalt black and brown people in all of their humanity and possibility; showcasing joy, power, love, and triumph in her work but admits, along with JD Bills and Staggs, that their work is rarely a direct reflection of the current political climate rather an attempt for relief.
Unexpectedly, local influences like Satch Artist, Gary Gee, William Ray Denton, Justin Vining, and Anthony Radford, can also be found in the participating artists’ work.
Many of the participants have begun sharing sneak peeks on social media. Jerry Points, Lacy Pearson, and Corey J. Mills indicate the artwork presented for the first time will be easily identified to their personal style while others, like Lynn Medsker, are being innovative with a technique called Quilling. The leap definitely helped her produce a nearly exact replica of the experimental photograph and has received an abundance of positive feedback already.
Amy Ward, an abstract painter, and Gary Lynn, a welder and gallery owner, partnered to construct a unique self-standing mixed media sculpture and revealed they heavily leaned on the quote presented by the curator, “It’s not what you Look at that matters, it’s what you See.” by Henry David Thoreau.
Collectors Night – Thursday, 3-September 6-9pm
Saturday Reception – 12-September 12-3pm
Closing Reception – Friday, 25-September 5-8pm
Free Admission. Masks required.
Taking this show on the road!!! Featuring new work!!! More details coming soon!
