RECLAIM: an exploration of orientation, disorientation and reorientation Gallery 970
RECLAIM: an exploration of orientation, disorientation and reorientationWhat happens to wasted lives, discarded values, and forgotten histories? If reclamation is the central narrative of history, as Christians claim, how does time move from its initial orientation to the all too common, too human, disorientation, and then into a radically new reorientation of all things? RECLAIM raids this question by charting particular points along the way toward reorientation. Not every piece resolves the question, but taken collectively, the exhibition examines reality with symbols of faith and the story of wholeness.
12/31 - 2/13/2016
Opening Reception: December 31; 6pm-9pm
Artist Talks: January 23; 2:30pm
RECLAIM: an exploration of orientation, disorientation and reorientation at the Bridge Gallery at Denver Seminary
In the view of contemporary culture Christians don’t make good, or relevant, art. Christos Collective, a group of Colorado artists established in 2013, shatters this misconception, bringing not only advanced artistic skill but also conceptual, culturally significant depth to their work. These artists approach art authentically, showing humanity, brokenness, struggle, joy, love, and, ultimately, what it means to have an identity in Christ. God was never a conventional artist, and neither are Christos members; therefore, if you come expecting standard crucifixes and icons, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
Reclaim examines different aspects of the word via diverse media, but all works cohesively claim Christ’s reclamation of our lives and world. Some artists delve into personal journeys while others address the Christian community, calling for action, calling for changes in perception. Additionally, a few members rework traditional icons, utilizing new forms of visual language, thus making biblical stories and themes more accessible to a contemporary audience. However, some also make connections to the reclaiming process taking place in the natural world. Christos artists are comfortable in paradox, and they work beautifully toward developing audience understanding of what it means when we say “on earth as it is in heaven”.
According to Carl Raschke, Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Denver and internationally known author as well as arts promoter,“Reclaim reactivates in a new and powerful way the original impulses of modern art, the revelation of the spiritual—in this case the mystery of the Christ event itself—as a whole new way of seeing.”
Featured Artists:
Jennifer Bunge
Melissa Carmon
Sandra Jean Ceas
Sandra Hopkins
J.I. Karner
Garrett Larson
Katina Lowe
Tara Lynnsmith McConnell
Jonathan Myers
Levi Nelson
Harriet Maggi Olds
Karin Soderholm
Exhibition Program and Publication
The Bridge Gallery will host an open house on October 27, which will include dialogue with the artists, refreshments, and a short lecture.
Details
- Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2015
- Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
- Location: Harold and Virginia Simpson Leadership Center
Denver Seminary Campus
6399 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, Colorado, 80120 - Ongoing Exhibition will run from August 24 - December 8, 2015 with an official opening on Thursday, September 17, 2015 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm
The Christos Collective presents “Presence” a group exhibition at CORE annex gallery on Santa Fe
Drive in Denver. May 28 – June 14, 2015. First Friday June 5, 6-9 pm, Artist Talks June 12, 7-8 pm.
"Presence is more than just being there." -Malcom Forbes
Searching, questing, and sometimes, questioning, "Presence," is a show that glows golden from within, exploring what it means to exist, and probing levels of human engagement. Both presence and absence are explored in the artwork, inviting the viewer to deeper contemplation of their own sense of attentiveness and identity. "Presence" brings together work in a variety of media from the Denver-based art cohort, Christos Collective.Christos artists challenge traditional art genres such as icon and portrait painting, where forms are absent, disjointed, and hybridized. The result is a range of compelling depictions of intense, focused thought, alongside pieces that portray the idea that one can be physically in attendance without being mentally present. Some pieces explore a state of transition, where, like an old photograph, the visible form of the subject is fading from view.The absence of presence is also explored in the form of distraction or confusion where the image itself is barely discernible. For example, photographers take photos of reflections of reflections, causing viewers to ponder the paradox of presence and absences along with their mysterious, yet welcoming, feeling of uncertainty. Additionally, these pieces raise the unanswered question as to whether presence should necessarily be synonymous with visual clarity. In other instances, the viewer is invited to engage physically with the work in order to perceive the work more completely, highlighting the viewer's active participation.At times, the show brings recognizable figurations or expression of the human spirit into focus, and at others, one feels as though one is reaching for something, but hasn't found it yet. "Presence" explores the invitation to "be," even if one is still in a state of becoming.
Christos Collective is an international artists and scholars community that empowers contemporary Christian visual art to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of a Christian worldview.
Bring Back Our Girls: The story of artist Sandra Ceas’ rendition of the Chibok abductions
By Lois Grove
In December 2014 Larry and Donna Elliott, former Church of the Brethren mission workers in Nigeria, attended a concert at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins, Colo. While strolling through the art gallery before the concert, a big piece of artwork caught their eye--many tiny gingham dresses--and they saw the caption, “Bring Back Our Girls.” They discovered this piece was telling a story that was near and dear to them: the abduction of the schoolgirls from Chibok, Nigeria.
They called me and my husband, Bill. We were visiting in Fort Collins at the time, and we then went to view the picture. It was very emotionally engaging as we thought of all the initiatives our denomination had gone through--prayer and fasting, visits by Rebecca Dali, shipment of books to restock the Nigerian libraries, sending lists of the girls’ names to churches, and also each congregation upholding one girl in prayer--and a seed was planted. Somehow we had to secure this artwork for the wider church. Donna and I took pictures of the piece--and then found out later that pictures were not allowed at the gallery, so those stayed on our cameras....
Until! I was attending a pastor’s retreat in Western Plains District, visiting with persons who had served the church in Nigeria. I showed them the picture on my phone and before long it was decided to project it on the big screen. Following a time of reflection, silence, and a Spirit-filled prayer by Carolyn Schrock, the “Spirit” said the picture needed to be purchased and given a home in the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
This was an impulsive, but not inexpensive decision. Several of those in attendance immediately offered to help with the purchase. A subsequent call to general secretary Stan Noffsinger to see if the denomination was even interested affirmed that the “Spirit” had nudged us in the right direction.
The Elliotts and Groves were privileged to visit with the artist, Sandra Ceas, of Littleton, Colo., and find out her motivation for creating the picture. She has master’s degrees in fine arts and religious studies, and finds herself drawn to social justice issues. She teaches online courses, and in the course of online searches she discovered the story of the Chibok girls. She is delighted her work has found a “home” where it will resonate with those who view it.
-- Lois and Bill Grove are former mission workers in Nigeria, and have been active in leadership in Northern Plains District. Earlier this week they drove from their home in Iowa to Elgin, Ill., to personally deliver Sandra Ceas’ piece of art to the denominational offices. They invite anyone who is interested in helping with the cost of this inspirational artwork to donate by sending a check to the Church of the Brethren General Offices, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. Find out more about the artist atwww.sandrajeanceas.com .
3 artists featured in Bridge Gallery Exibition Creation Care: Water
The current exhibition investigates the human role in the naturalenvironment, with a specific emphasis on our interdependent relationship with water. Art will celebrate the vitality of water and/or compel audiences to consider their responsibility for the care and stewardship of this precious resource.
Prominent scientists often refer to the earth as "the creation" based on a realization that a "spiritual and cultural transformation" is needed to respond effectively. There is growing interested among evangelical Christians to address global environmental problems with the power of biblical truth, a movement often called "Creation Care." There is a growing consensus among many evangelicals, business and political leaders, and the general public that steps must be taken to address these issues.
Only one percent of all water on earth is available for human consumption. This amount, vital for life, should be enough for all. It falls from the clouds on to the land, nourishes life, returns through rivers to the salty seas, and evaporates as fresh water back into the clouds. However, water is not available for all people. There is inequality in water use in the world. Many lessons could be drawn from how indigenous people avoid misuse of water.