Wednesday, August 13, 2014

BACKBONE & THE BEAST



















THE BEAST
John Preus' THE BEAST was created as a space for cultural inquiry, public dialogue and creative production within the Hyde Park Art Center (HPAC). 

Preus transformed the HPAC's main gallery's interior with a complex architectural framework inspired by the form of a dead steer -- a signifier of sacrifice, violence, atonement, and other rich and complex cultural interactions. He fabricated the structure from discarded wood and furniture from recently closed Chicago Public Schools. More information may be found at http://johnpreus.com

Preus and the HPAC invited community groups and art collaborations were invited to participate in THE BEAST -- including DOEprojekts.


BACKBONE
People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities participated in the art action BACKBONE as part of John Preus' THE BEAST.

Backbone is a custom "mantle" made of African fish vertebrae, Asian bovine bone, and US stainless steel. Participants are invited to put on BACKBONE with the help of DOEprojekts (Deborah Adams Doering + Glenn N. Doering), creators of the BACKBONE mantle. Selected photos are posted at www.DOEprojekts.com and www.DOEprojekts.org.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Landmark Series — "home" in the Pacific Northwest



Landmark "home" in Plain, Washington
DOEprojekts (Deborah Adams Doering + Glenn N. Doering) continues their Landmark Series "home" in the Pacific Northwest -- specifically, Plain, Washington -- at the foot of the Cascade Mountains.

The town of Plain is home to the Grünewald Guild, a community of artists and artisans. Snowcapped peaks, rushing waters and golden meadows inspire and create an environment in which ALL people are welcome to artistically learn and grow. Exploring the relationship between art and faith often undergirds Guild artists.

DOEprojekts thanks the MANY people who helped install Landmark "home." Special thanks goes to Carey Adams Harsin (pinecone gathering), Sarah Jane Gray (assisting with photography and video), Dan and Lois Oberg (Guild leadership) and Doug McLeod (art sherpa).

Our Landmark Series incorporates cultural keywords such as "home," one of over 100 cultural keywords cited by social scientists as having qualities of "significance but difficulty" in both public discourse and a broad spectrum of academic disciplines.







Landmark "home" installation
The 51 foot stencil took 3 days to draw and cut. The stencil was first used in Riverwoods, IL, as part of the exhibition Avian Spirits. The "home" stencil was then shipped to Plain, WA. Installation of Landmark "home" took 3 days, including the collection of over 1000 pine cones found in the local environment. The installation is temporary and will cause no harm to the environment.
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Environmental factors
DOEprojekts' installation of Landmark "home" was influenced by the beauty, but also vulnerability, of the Plain Valley, often under a  Level  1 or Level 2 evacuation alert due to local forest fires.