Deon Blackwell
dal 30/11/2007 al 20/12/2007
Segnalato da
30/11/2007
Deon Blackwell
Undercurrent Arts, Miami
Body of Salt. This installation is composed of a massing of chandeliers created from clay and salt that are suspended at multiple heights. The clay forms a symbiotic relationship with the salt wherein the salt is applied to the ceramic material and breaks down the clay body from the inside out; much like cancer does to a human.
Undercurrent Arts is pleased to present the solo exhibition of Deon Blackwell, Body of Salt. This installation is composed of a massing of “chandeliers” created from clay and salt that are suspended at multiple heights. The clay forms a symbiotic relationship with the salt wherein the salt is applied to the ceramic material and breaks down the clay body from the inside out; much like cancer does to a human. The overall group of chandeliers becomes a loose system of body parts, organs, and other bodily functions. The viewer is engulfed in a space where they can witness these objects deteriorating and growing all at once, in a space that could be in stasis or rebirth. The works in this exhibition were inspired by experiences Blackwell had several years ago when multiple members of his immediate family passed away from various self destructive causes. The turmoil that ensued led him to materials that mimicked the physical changes that he was witnessing in his family.
Deon Blackwell was born 1978 in Pensacola, Florida. He attended Delta State University studying both music and art. Eventually, he moved strictly to art as an expressive focus and apprenticed under a local wood working artist in Cleveland, Mississippi named Floyd Shaman for a year. He then continued his studies in art at the University of South Florida. Blackwell attained his MFA in studio art and is currently teaching as an adjunct professor in ceramics at USF. His work has been seen in various exhibitions throughout Tampa, including 8 Bit is Legit at William and Nancy Oliver Gallery, Neighborhood Watch, a one night public art exhibit, Who’s Who of No One You Know at Covivant Gallery, as well as several student shows at USF’s Contemporary Art Museum. This year he won “Dali Museum Best in Show Award” for the USF student show and the “USF Travel grant for Professional Practice”.
Opening Reception Saturday, December 1, 7-10:30PM
Undercurrent Arts
2563 N. Miami Avenue - Miami