Turbulence

Opening Reception: Friday, December 2, 6-8pm
First Friday Artist Reception:  Friday, January 6, 6-8pm
Artist Talk: Saturday, January 14, 2-3:30pm, moderated by Enrique Chagoya, Artist and Professor at Stanford University

Gallery Hours: Thur-Sat 12-6pm, First Fridays until 8pm, and by appointment

Chandra Cerrito Contemporary is pleased to present Turbulence, a group exhibition including sculptures and drawings by Bay Area-based artists Modesto Covarrubias, Alison OK Frost, Paul Taylor, and Stephen Whisler.

Throughout the past year, news headlines featured stories that have stirred deep contention and increased concern for public safety, from nationwide police brutality to domestic and international terrorism. The work in the exhibition Turbulence brings to light past and present times filled with turmoil, uncertainty, and unrest. The imagery includes symbols of the military, war, and violence, but the true inspiration for the works is not necessarily a direct comment on these subjects. Instead they focus on overarching states of conflict and power.

Modesto Covarrubias swathes heavy-duty weapons such as guns and grenades with crocheted coverings made in bright rainbow and soft pastel colors. Both in material and concept, the sculptures are a juxtaposition of toughness and vulnerability, where comfort and protection tempers destruction.

Alison OK Frost takes inspiration from found illustrations portraying actual local and global conflicts. Her delicately rendered watercolors create a tension between the emotionally charged content and her assiduous artistic process.

Paul Taylor’s ink and conté crayon drawings depict former military sites and structures set within the Marin Headlands. Throughout the years, nature has been overtaking the manmade constructions, and lush topography now envelopes decommissioned bunkers and artillery installations.

Stephen Whisler creates monochromatic drawings of nuclear bombs and missiles, continuing his investigation into foreboding topics of surveillance, destruction, and the imposition of power. The images serve as a reminder that as people focus attention on terrorism, suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices, the nuclear threat is omnipresent, as the artist puts it “seemingly sleeping.”