(“MeToo: Intersected” by Betsy DiJulio)
By Staff
Local visual artists Betsy DiJulio, Knox Garvin and Anne Bousquet have collaborated on a conceptual exhibition reflecting on the #MeToo movement.
Titled “Groundswell: Gender, Power & the Body Politic,” the trio of evocative creators offer the viewer separate expressions full of symbolism, physicality and narration.
We recently caught up with Dorothy Coakley of the Offsite Gallery to learn more about the programming of this exhibition. Here’s what she had to share.
VEER: How did the idea for “Groundswell” as an exhibition come together?
Dorothy Coakley: The exhibition was inspired by the recent “Me Too” movement. It was important to the artists to present power differentials, imbalances, and inequities between men and women.
VEER: What was your process in selecting these three artists?
DC: Artists submit proposals for review by a committee made up of artists, educators and various members of the art community. We are currently programmed through 2020. Exhibitions rotate every 6-8 weeks. We will accept proposals again mid-2020.
VEER: Did these artists create new work specifically for this exhibition?
DC: Yes, the artists have created new work specifically for this exhibition.
VEER: Did you specifically want to include Knox Garvin’s work for his male perspective or because of his style and quality of work?
DC: The artists submitted a group proposal and felt both a male and female perspective would most effectively communicate the magnitude of issues surrounding the “Me Too” movement. Knox’s use of unconventional materials with concrete elements provides the opportunity to juxtapose normalcy with conflict.
VEER: What do you see as Betsy DiJulio’s strengths in communicating the exhibition’s theme?
DC: Her well-planned methods and ability to combine thought-provoking symbols, patterns, objects and architecture effectively communicates the issues. Viewers will often relate to her work on a personal level in addition to identifying with broader content.
VEER: What do you see as Anne Bousquet’s strengths in communicating the exhibition’s theme?
DC: Anne’s mixed-media images, grounded in art history and graphic design, are concept driven. Her open-ended compositions address a range of ethical issues. Conceptually, Anne creates visually appealing imagery that communicates expansive perspectives evoking a range of emotions.
VEER: Offsite Gallery is now located within MacArthur Center. Has the location enhanced the awareness of the gallery? Is this a permanent or temporary home for the gallery?
DC: The new, permanent location has enhanced the awareness of the gallery. We are grateful to MacArthur Center and the opportunity they are providing for us to reach such a vast audience, many of whom were not consciously seeking a contemporary visual art experience.
WANT TO SEE?
“Groundswell: Gender, Power & the Body Politic”
October 11 through November 29
Offsite Gallery at MacArthur Center
Gallery hrs: Monday-Saturday, 10am-9pm, Sundays 12-6pm.
