is pleased to announced
Ryan Hackett
Cory Oberndorfer
September 13 – October 11
Reception for the artists on
Thursday September 11, 6:30 – 8:30pm
And public opening with the artists on
Saturday September 13, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Hackett’s recent work focuses on body language, physical traits, and specific characteristics of selected animals as a structure to develop various multimedia works. Growing from initial impulses such as heart rates, body language, bones, and fur, the work pushes and pulls between the synthetic and the natural suspended in ambiguous hypnotic manifestations.
Hackett uses painting to trap, isolate and transform sections of images both moving and stationary. Much like an electronic musician might sample a beat and transform it into something new, Hackett uses paint to “sample” part of an image and transform it according to the images anatomical clues. The result is an image that grows through a system of atmospheric channel-like extensions.
The installation, Hive Transmissions 9/13/08 – 10/11/08 positions the honeybee as performer. Hackett will organize the effects and channels that receive and transform sounds from the hive. These sounds are taken in real time and interpreted through effect processors creating a transition from the agitated state of the hive to the serene environment emerging from the system. The bees essentially perform a one month long set of ambient electronic music born from the sounds circulating through the hive.
Ryan Hackett graduated with an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. He was a founding member of the DC artists’ collaborative Decatur Blue. Most recently Hackett’s work was featured in the exhibition Freaks of Nature at the Bronx River Art Center in New York and in a solo exhibition titled Evolutions of Paint and Sound at Spur Projects in Portola Valley, CA.
Project Room
Oberndorfer works from his own personal history growing up in suburban Middle America, without risk or rebellion, he remembers wondering what it would be like to step outside the boundaries of his “sugarcoated” lifestyle. He describes his childhood heroes as those who questioned propriety and were “not known for their sweet and pleasant exterior but for the strength, confidence and conviction that lies beneath.”
His paintings of roller derby girls explore their and his shared interest in stepping outside boundaries; Oberndorfer’s idolization comes from the derby girls’ success in redefining these boundaries. They reject the “sugar and spice and everything nice” role with courage and determination. Roller girls invent their own personas and pseudonyms that reveal their aspirations or essential qualities. They choose costumes that are sexy and cute while playing a damaging game that requires a tough body and mind. His works reflects the fierce beauty of the women and the delightful experience of watching them. The paintings themselves are mouthwatering in their candy inspired color schemes and the high quality of the work.
Cory Oberndorfer graduated with an MFA from American University. He was included in the WPA\C OPTIONS Biennial in 2007 and the Brightest Young Things Relaunch, in 2008.
Gallery hours: Tuesday –Saturday 11am - 6pm
G FINE ART
1515 Fourteenth St. NW
Washington, DC 20005
T. 202.462.1601
F. 202.462.1604
www.gfineartdc.com
Cory is also currently featured in the arts section of both DC Modern Luxury and Northern Virginia magazines(September issues).
