Here and There
Topographic Conversations with Morris Graves

January 9 - March 17, 2016

HERE AND THERE: TOPOGRAPHIC CONVERSATIONS WITH MORRIS GRAVES

Exhibition Date: January 9, 2016 to March 17, 2016
Reception Date: Saturday, January 9, 2016 - 2:00pm

Artist(s): 

Lanny Bergner
Imogen Cunningham
Allen Moe
Mary Randlett
Morris Cole Graves

January 9, 1pm Artist Walk-Through

Leslie Kenneth Price, Respiration, 2014, Acrylic on panel, 48” x 44”
Courtesy of the Artist

Many of the artworks in Here and There also comment on change in the environment. For example, Allen Moe’s castings of sand patterns document a moment in time at the mouth of two rivers near where Graves lived: the Skagit and the Eel Rivers. Water is a powerful force that is always changing the surrounding environment and Moe’s artworks seek to capture the impact of this force on the sand. Similarly, Graves attempts to capture moments of interplay between the self and outside forces.

Artists for Here and There include Lanny Bergner, Imogen Cunningham, Ann Chadwick Reid, Eve Deisher, Lori Goodman, Morris Graves, Leslie Kenneth Price, Julie McNiel, Allen Moe, Mary Randlett, and Emily Silver.

- Chloe Dye Sherpe, Curatorial Assistant

Allen Moe, Skagit River Near Beaver Slough, 2012, modified cement, 18” x 18” x 2”
Courtesy of the Artist

Eve Deisher, Forest Moonlight, 2015, Charcoal on paper, organza, felt, embroidery thread, 118” x 56” x 12”
Courtesy of the Artist

Here and There engages viewers in a discussion between Morris Graves, eight contemporary artists, and their environments. In addition to works by these eight artists, the exhibit features two pieces created by Graves while he was living in both Skagit and Humboldt Counties. Not only did these artists live in the same topographical regions as Graves, they are also contemplating the natural world and its ability to inspire creativity. Included with the artworks will be several photos of Graves taken by Imogen Cunningham and Mary Randlett. 

In addition to the emphasis on physical location and presence, this exhibit also complicates discussions around changing environments. Graves moved to La Conner and built his home, “The Rock”, in the tumultuous and world-altering time period of the 1940s. New sights and sounds emerged during this time period, affecting both humankind and the natural environment for decades to come. Graves managed to capture these changes in various artworks featuring animals that appear to be disgruntled by their surroundings.

Lanny Bergner, The Starlight Within, 2015, Stainless steel mesh, black Tahitian sand, wire, pins, 45” x 11” x 11”
Courtesy of the Artist