Sin and Redemption

July 14 - August 23, 2012

Opening reception: Saturday, July 14, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

This exhibition of works by more than two dozen artists working in painting, sculpture, installation, and photography explores the transformational themes of sin and redemption.

Works range from contemplative installations, such as David Best’s destined-to-be-burned altar, to a wall-size tapestry depicting classical, pre-Christian geometry, and contemporary interpretations of religious expression, including an interactive confessional by Claire Pasquier and Mary Powers. The exhibition considers the vocabulary of spiritual symbols, rituals, and historical references, as well as the role of aesthetics in considering existence.

Best’s altar, made of recycled wood for the upcoming Burning Man Festival, is meant as a touchstone for reflection. Viewers are welcome to write notes or leave messages on the piece that express their deepest concerns: pain, loss, anger, or shame, for example. When the altar is burned, the messages will be transformed into smoke and ash, providing a sense of release. A large-scale tapestry by Donald and Era Farnsworth entitled Mythos 5 draws on Eastern spiritual traditions as well as the Western interest in geometry, harmony, and unity.

Also on view will be Radio With Sin Us, an installation with audio based on the sacrament of penance that also hints at secular sources for self-examination and reconciliation, such as daytime TV talk shows. Victor Cartagena’s Confesiones y Hostias will offer the viewer a communion host (used in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist) if they are willing to confess a sin into a microphone that is amplified by a speaker.

Artists in the exhibition include David Best, Victor Cartagena, Enrique Chagoya, Margaret Chavigny, Kirk Crippens, Donald and Era Farnsworth, Marc Ellen Hamel, Nancy Genn, Tara Gill, Ake Grunditz, Amber Hasselbring, Gérman Herrera, Jeremiah Jenkins, Larry Lippold, Alen MacWeeney, Javier Manrique, Kara Maria, John Martin, Jean Paul Mercado, Claire Pasquier, Christian Peacock, Silvia Poloto, Mary Powers, Lewis Watts, and Elena Zolotnitsky.

Image Captions (left to right top to bottom)

Victor Cartagena, Cristo al Rojo Vivo, 2012; photo: courtesy the artist

Kara Maria, Voluptuous Deconstruction, 2010; photo: courtesy the artist

Ake Grunditz, Columnaris Redempcioun, 2012; photo: courtesy the artist

David Best, Hayes Green project, 2005; photo: courtesy SF Arts Commission

Alen MacWeeney, Interior of the Studio of Andres Serrano, 2011; photo: courtesy the artist

Lewis Watts, The Clark Sisters in front of their Church, Lincolnville, St. Augustine FL, 1996; photo: courtesy the artist