"Gun", 2011, pigment print, 16"X24"
Elaine I-Ling Shen explores the complex nature of childhood and human impulse in her latest exhibit, Everything is Possible Again, through a series of photographs and sculptures. The exhibit opens February 11 with a reception from 6 to 9 pm.
A series of photographs depicts a group of children in an unscripted, mysterious environment. The children stand in defiance of what a “good” child is supposed to look like. Instead of being well-scrubbed and properly dressed, they are gestural, bold, raw, confident, and breathtakingly beautiful. The painted, feral images read part Lord of the Flies’ crash survivors meets Peter Pan’s Lost Boys. These wild creatures inhabit their own world where tenderness and aggression, chaos and hierarchical order can coexist without confusion. The savage vista reigns without technology or the dominating presence of adults.
Alongside the photographs, Shen presents several sculptural assemblages that use found weapons constructed by very young children. This speaks to notions of instinct, origin, and the desire to collect and categorize in attempt to make sense of our place in history. Fashioned by anonymous hands, the primitive weapons share the common material language of sticks, wood chips, bamboo, and duct tape. Considering the makers’ age, these complicated objects show the contrast between innocence and violence.
Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Elaine I-Ling Shen received her BA from The University of Texas at Austin and her MFA from Yale University. She has taught at Yale University, Fordham University, and the University of Texas. While her work has been shown in several group shows, this will be her first solo show.
Blackbox is an art space that presents contemporary art exhibitions and diverse creative ventures. Blackbox is located at the home of its facilitators, Stella and Leon Alesi, at 1017-A West Milton St, Austin, Texas 78704. Hours are from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and by appointment. For more information, contact Leon Alesi at (512) 460-9756 or leonalesi@gmail.com.
Blackbox
