Far away is NOW
Site: 120710
Dec 02, 2023 – Jan 20, 2024
Curators: Francis Baker
Description: "Far away is NOW" presents a poignant exploration of the challenges exacerbating the climate crisis. This exhibit showcases an emotive collection of works across diverse media, delving into urgent concerns such as record-breaking heat, rain and fire occurrences, the plastic consumption crisis, and the profound impact of human infrastructure on the environment. In addition, the exhibit provides insights into the intersection of Al with our comprehension of information and self-perception. In an era increasingly defined by extreme weather and environmental crises, "Far away is NOW" invites viewers to confront the reality of the Anthropocene —the era of significant human impact on the Earth's geology and ecosystems. The exhibition brings together a diverse array of voices spanning over a 40-year age difference among participants. This diverse assembly not only amplifies the multifaceted nature of experiences but also underscores the essence of intersectionality in addressing climate change. Illuminating how various social identities -such as race, gender, age, and socio-economic status - intersect and compound. "SOOT" by Stacy Goodman, serves as a reminder of the inequality inherent in climate change impacts. Goodman's work emphasizes how geographical location significantly dictates the quality of the air we breathe. Through this piece, Goodman draws attention to the differential effects of environmental crises, shedding light on how marginalized communities disproportionately bear the brunt of these consequences. Charlotta Hauksdottir's interactive photographic piece allows viewers to take home a fragment of the artwork. As more people interact, the piece evolves and degrades, symbolizing the transient and fragile nature of our environment. Alicia Escott creates bittersweet sculptures that showcase the entanglement of humans, technology and the environment. At the core of Brett Amory's work lies an exploration of the human condition and introspection. His art raises a critical question: how does our constant interaction with technology shape and influence us? By feeding nonsense prompts into Al image generators, he gets alien images out. This reflects the echo chambers of news and social media that contribute to climate change denial: garbage in garbage out. Amory's art serves as a poignant reflection on the ways in which our relationship with technology molds our perspectives and behaviors, ultimately influencing critical issues like climate change awareness and denial. In a time when environmental concerns dominate global discourse, abstracted art offers a unique communication that transcends traditional news outlets and social media. This visual form enables viewers to deeply engage with the extensive impacts of human activities on our planet. Artists Hughen/ Starkweather and Lisa Kiros examine the human-environment interaction, focusing on themes such as deforestation and the creation of man-made structures for water control and shoreline construction. Meanwhile, Ron Moultrie Saunders redefines the typical use of photography, harnessing the sun's power to create abstract, alternative-process photographs. These images compel viewers to reflect on their personal experiences with extreme weather, fostering an emotional understanding and connection with these environmental phenomena. The artist team Judith Selby Lang and Richard Lang collect plastic debris from a 1000-yard stretch of Kehoe Beach in Point Reyes. Addressing the link between plastic production and oil, they are creating an expansive installation that critiques our petroleum-based consumer culture. Francis Baker responds to society's obsession with plastic by cutting it up to simulate the formation of microplastics. Utilizing these fragments and the power of the sun, he crafts photograms that highlight the connection between our actions, their environmental consequences, and the impact on the earths protection from the sun. To conclude the exhibition, on January 20th from 2-6 pm, Judith Selby Lang, Richard Lang, and Francis Baker will host a participatory event. Here, visitors can create their own photograms using the plastic debris from Kehoe Beach, offering an engaging and hands-on experience in environmental art-making. 120710 is committed to fostering experimentation in art, providing the perfect backdrop for this exhibit. The artists have created new works that spark critical conversations about our collective future.
