ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
InLiquid + IHP are pleased to present : Jessica Demcsak Suspension of Time
For several years , International House Philadelphia has invited InLiquid , a local hub for artists , to exhibit work by their artists in our gallery space . This has been a wonderful partnership and has allowed us to expand upon our visual arts programming , connecting our audience with regional artists and innovative ideas . Over the past year , our visual arts programming has taken on a slightly new look . We now have one permanent exhibit that addresses the history of International House , and one rotating exhibition space . We are delighted to continue our partnership with InLiquid and to be able to offer artists and partners a larger and better defined space in which to show their work .
This summer IHP is thrilled to present an InLiquid partnership exhibit of artist Jessica Demcsak and her painting show ‘ Suspension of Time .’ In light of recent natural disasters like Superstorm Sandy , Demcsak ’ s new paintings of buildings on firewood and construction materials reflect on man-made structures and the significance of how time is spent in them .
As Jessica writes in her artist ’ s statement :
“ Time has become a precious commodity . In our increasingly busy , multi-tasking heavy life , there seems to be a desire to save time or fill it with technology . Many of today ’ s technologies can save time if utilized ; however , there is a sense of disconnection and suspension of time when used . It is rare for time to be suspended in order to have a sense of peace and quiet without the intrusion of technology . When Superstorm Sandy came , time stopped .
The storm interrupted technology , lengthened time , and gave new meaning to strong shelter . Reflecting on that experience , I decided to begin painting on firewood and other raw building materials . Firewood symbolizes one of the most valuable commodities of times past that is now mostly overlooked except in an emergency . There is such beauty in these misshapen uneven pieces . I wanted to explore painting on their surface and elevate this wood to a final product instead of a means to an end .
With the rise of natural disasters comes increasing thought on the strength and importance of structures as well as the significance of
how time is spent in them . The work created for this exhibit seeks to investigate these ideas and reflect on the past where although everyday activities took more time , there was a sense of connection and serenity .”
InLiquid is a 501 ( c )( 3 ) nonprofit organization committed to creating opportunities and exposure for visual artists while serving as a free , online public hub for arts information in the Philadelphia area . By providing the public with immediate access to view the portfolios and credentials of over 280 artists and designers via the internt ; through meaningful partnerships with other cultural organizations , through community-based activities and exhibitions ; and through an extensive online body of timely art information , InLiquid brings to light the richness of our region ’ s art activity , broadens audiences , and heightens appreciation for all forms of visual culture .
Please join us at IHP on July 17th , from 6-7:30pm to open Jessica Demcsak : Suspension in Time . Light hors d ’ oeuvres and refreshments will be served . The exhibit will be on display until October 1 , 2013 .