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.