‘Out of the Ordinary’ art exhibition opens at The Bascom April 5

Press release

From The Bascom:

Artists transform everyday objects into amazing works of art in the exhibition, Out of the Ordinary, which runs from April 5 – June 15, 2014. Organized by Independent Curator Rebecca Dimling Cochran, the show includes pieces by eight internationally recognized artists who use worn and often discarded materials as the building blocks of their creations.

From items as banal as water bottles, shredded tires and bubble gum, artists Chakaia Booker, Matthew Brandt, Long-Bin Chen, Willie Cole, Mary Engel, Vik Muniz, and Guerra de la Paz (the collaborative team of Alain Guerra and Neraldo de la Paz) make two and three-dimensional works that are fantastically inventive and deceivingly simple. The materials they use, however, are not merely found but chosen specifically for the symbolism or iconography that they add to the conceptual meaning of the work. For example, Chen’s sculpted portraits of important historical figures out of used books can be seen not only as a tribute to the perseverance of history but also as an acknowledgement of the advancement of technology that now makes those bound pages worthless. Similarly, Guerra de la Paz’s works, made from clothing donated in the United States and headed for Haiti, wryly satirizes the disparity between the two countries in sculptural references to the businessmen at the heart of our economic empire. Issues of collective memory, eastern religion, and the environment are also explored in the broad-ranging works.

In conjunction with the exhibit, there will be a screening of the film “The Cardboard Bernini” on Friday, April 4, from 4 to 5:30 pm, at the CLE Lecture Hall. Afterwards, Cochran will lead a Q&A on the film, which documents the creation and eventual disintegration of a monumental work of sculpture intended to be left to the elements. She will also moderate a panel discussion with several of the attending artists at a reception on Saturday, May 31, from 5 to 7 pm.
Rebecca Dimling Cochran of Atlanta has served as curator of the Wieland Collection since 2004. She is also a freelance art critic, writing for publications including Art in America, Art & Antiques, and Sculpture Magazine. She has worked at the High Museum of Atlanta and the Jack Tilton Gallery in New York and frequently lectures on collecting and contemporary art.

Join The Bascom for countless opportunities to explore and participate in art. Members receive discounts at events, lectures and for adult classes. Contact Membership Coordinator Pat Turnbull at 828-787-2898 or email her at HYPERLINK “mailto:pturnbull@thebascom.org” pturnbull@thebascom.org for more information about becoming a member. The Bascom is open year-round, Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, noon to 5 pm. Enjoy workshops, exhibitions, special events, quality programs and unique shopping throughout the year. For more information, to register for workshop offerings or for more details on all Bascom activities, visit www.TheBascom.org or call 828-526-4949.

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About Lea McLellan
Lea McLellan is a freelance writer who likes to write stories about music, art, food, wellness and interesting locals doing interesting things.

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