aftershock
A Group Exhibition on the Human Response to Ecological Trauma
Curated by artist Camila Galofre, this exhibition featured works by Susan Beiner, Brandi Lee Cooper, Erika Lynne Hanson, Christina Kemp-Sullivan, Molly Koehn, Jessica Palomo, Anthony Pessler and Buzzy Sullivan.
Inspired by the chaotic and poetic consequences of natural phenomenon, AFTERSHOCK showcased the works of artists currently working with themes surrounding human relationships to the transformative virtues of nature, trauma, history and place. Through a multiplicity of mediums, this exhibition looks at the various influences of environmental experiences in relation to existing global issues.
October 2017 / Step Gallery, Phoenix
Unintended Consequences (1 Panel) by Susan Beiner
Porcelain, wood, foam, thread
2014
Flushed Series by Brandi Lee Cooper
Paperclay, Mission Clay sewer pipe, underglaze, glaze
2017
12 Point Platform (Proposed Harmonics) by Erika Lynne Hanson + Wes Kline
Vinyl record with turn table & headphones, woven wool, linen
2017
Stability Practice by Christina Kemp
Playing cards
2017
structure 04 by Molly Koehn
Stainless steel, linen, silk, steel, aluminum, flagging tape
2017
Three Messengers (Cloud #9, Iceberg #1, Cloud #19) by Anthony Pessler
Oil on panel / Egg tempera on panel
2013 / 2015
Brunia Asteraceaes by Jessica Palomo
Graphite, gesso, wood installation
2017
Mountain Goats Grazing, Mount St. Helens, Looking South at 4400' by Buzzy Sullivan
Pigment print
2017
I think natural disasters have been looked upon in the wrong way.
Newspapers always say they are bad. a shame.
I like natural disasters and I think that they may be the highest form of art possible to experience.
For one thing they are impersonal.
I don’t think art can stand up to nature.
Put the best object you know next to the grand canyon, niagra falls, the red woods.
The big things always win.
Now just think of a flood, forest fire, tornado, earthquake, Typhoon, sand storm.
Think of the breaking of the Ice jams. Crunch.
If all of the people who go to museums could just feel an earthquake.
Not to mention the sky and the ocean.
But it is in the unpredictable disasters that the highest forms are realized.
They are rare and we should be thankful for them.
- Walter de Maria: On the Importance of Natural Disasters (May 1960)
Proceeds from the sales of AFTERSHOCK where donated to the American Red Cross to support their relief international programming.
Photography: Joshua Laieski