|
Pulse of the Twin Cities Login |
|
If you do not have an account yet
Create One.
|
|
|
Twin Town High (vol. 8) |
|
|
|
|
From Above and Below the Horizon @ Larson Art Gallery
Wednesday 26 March @ 10:54:11 |
 by Jenny Assef
In the city, the horizon hides behind buildings and houses, sending us on long drives to look for it. We might forget that the horizon itself is an illusion—the world does not in fact recede to a point, and the sky never bends down to kiss the earth. It’s all a matter of perspective, and what we see depends on where we stand.
In From Above and Below the Horizon, local artist Ali Raza explores the visual and ideological results of joining separate paintings along a horizontal line. “This split of imagery is inspired by the nature of the horizon—illusive and receding into infinity,” Raza explains.
The exhibit consists of a series of diptychs, paired pieces that refer to each other in both concept and aesthetic. War planes sit next to gift boxes, children on a camping trip meet magnified bugs, military men stand above a game of cricket. In “Red carpet welcome and those who wait,” mythical characters float above a typical market scene, while “Nothing special except painted in the U.S.A.” pairs images of flight with a view of a parked car. “The act of juxtaposing this collection is an attempt to represent and understand the complexities of the contrary notions and beliefs that exist side by side,” Raza says.
References to history and war beside evocations of commercial culture seem to underline connections between the two, while pieces like “I hate shopping, but love to find deals” and “The street shop underneath the house of a lovely” playfully explore the individual’s role in two very different systems of commerce.
Like the horizon, Raza’s works draw us in, tugging our eyes and minds toward something unknown. Turning our attention to From Above and Below the Horizon might bring relief at this empty time—not because the exhibit offers answers or escape, but because it insists on treating its viewers like human beings. Raza’s art provokes thought and true awe, granting blessings of beauty and wit to those who see it.
From Above and Below the Horizon runs through April 4. Larson Art Gallery, U of M St. Paul Student Center, 2017 Buford Avenue. Hours: Mon.–Wed. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thurs, closed weekends. 612-625-0214.
|
|
 |
|
|
Comments -
Post Comment |
|
The comments are owned by the poster. We are not responsible for its content.
NO comments yet! Be the first!
|
|
|
