The exhibition constructs compelling visual narratives through photographs of actual and constructed domestic interiors. Suzy Lee recreates the tale 'Alice in Wonderland' through images, installation, and a book. Adrain Chesser creates a deeply moving array of emotional portraits of sitters in front of a scarlet red back-drop.
Coming Home: Domestic Sites of Love and Loss
The exhibition constructs compelling visual narratives through photographs of actual and constructed domestic interiors. This two-person show features the monumental scale work of Joy Episalla (NYC) who creates photographs so large, they lean on the wall resting on the gallery floor (roughly 70 inches long by 40 inches high). The work at HCP depicts an old piece of furniture, and like the work, appears heavy and “in the way.†Episalla included with this a three-channel video installation of the couch and its demise (sold on E-bay to a teddy bear designer who wanted the couch’s worn upholstery). Episalla will present an artist’s talk on Saturday, December 17th at 4 pm at HCP.
Suzy Lee: Alice in Wonderland
South Korean artist Suzy Lee recreates the well-known childhood tale Alice in Wonderland through images, installation, and a book (copies will be available for purchase at HCP). Her project depicts low-tech stages constructed in a playful childish manner that mirrors the youthful narrative. Lee actually constructs her miniature stage in her fireplace foyer – a fact that she only reveals in the last few images of her series.
Her treatment of the image as a narrative window allows her to playfully poke fun at the lack of feminist sensitivity in Lewis Carroll’s late Victorian-era tale. Come see her work to discover more! The artist will be present at the opening reception on November 4th.
Suzy Lee, Alice in Wonderland, 2001, Inkjet print
Adrain Chesser: I Have Something to Tell You
Chesser (Santa Fe, NM) brings another kind of reconstructed set to HCP with his series, I Have Something to Tell You. Chesser asks close friends to sit for a banal portrait then, seconds before clicking the shutter release, he says, “I have something to tell you,†before revealing he is infected with the AIDS virus. The result is a deeply moving array of emotional portraits of sitters in front of a scarlet red back-drop. To underscore his powerful photographs, Chesser creates site-specific installations that include actual elements from the photo shoot, including an empty chair, red back-drop, etc. Chesser will be present at the opening and will participate in a panel discussion the following day.
Adrain Chesser, Jen, 2003, Fiji Crystal Archive print
HCP gratefully acknowledges support for these exhibitions from the Gay Block & Malka Drucker, Philanthropic Fund of the Houston Jewish Community Foundation, Joan Morgenstern, and Kevin Bassler.
Houston Center for Photography is supported by its membership and in part by Institute of Museum and Library Services; National Endowment for the Arts; Texas Commission on the Arts; Humanities Texas; City of Houston through the Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County; Houston Endowment, Inc.; Fondren Foundation; The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts; The Wortham Foundation, Inc.; Brown Foundation, Inc.; Gardere, Wynne, & Sewell, LLP; Target Stores; Vinson & Elkins, LLP; ParkerHayden, and Gazer Design Group.
Members' Preview November 4 th, 5pm
Artists' Remarks November 4 th, 7pm
Image: Suzy Lee
Opening: November 4th 6 - 8pm
Houston Center for Photography
1441 W. Alabama St. - Houston