Kristy Peet, Britt Ragsdale, FotoFest Solo Exhibitions

Kristy Peet and Britt Ragsdale will both open solo shows at Gallery 1724 for the FotoFest 2012 Biennial on Saturday, March 31 from 8-10pm. Kristy Peet’s exhibition will feature her series “How I Will Die,” a photographic exploration of hypochondria and mortality. Britt Ragsdale will exhibit, “Members” a show of photography and physical response.

When asked about her inspiration for the “How I Will Die” series, Kristy Peet simply states: “I’m a worrier.” Emily Sloan, curator of both shows, explains her interests in both artists’ work: “I am very attracted to both of these artists’ use of photography and the body as their medium, particularly in relation to performance and records.”

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Kristy Peet is an artist living and working in Houston, Texas. She completed her undergraduate work at Austin College and graduated with an MFA in photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Her large format photographic work deals with psychological issues and has been shown in solo and group exhibitions across the country, including a solo exhibition at the Dallas Contemporary. She is currently teaching photography at College of the Mainland and is a resident artist at Box 13 ArtSpace. For more information, please visit: www.kristypeet.com

Britt Ragsdale is a visual artist currently living and working in Houston, TX. She graduated with a BFA from Lamar University and an MFA from the University of Houston in May 2011. Through photography, video and performance, she creates visual constructs based around the social anthropology and psychoanalysis of pretense. She is a resident artist at Box 13 ArtSpace. For more information, please visit: www.brittragsdale.com


Exhibition image: Kristy Peet, It is used for identification purposes, 2011

ABOUT GALLERY 1724:
Gallery 1724 is a gallery, salon, home, and chicken ranch located in the Houston Museum District at 1724 Bissonnet Street. The space features experimental rotating exhibitions and salon-type dialogues.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Opening reception: Saturday, March 31, 8-10pm
On view through May 31, Monday through Saturdays from 11am to 6pm or by appointment.

CONTACT:
Emily Sloan
Gallery 1724
1724 Bissonnet St.
Houston, TX 77005
gallery1724@gmail.com
713-582-1198

David McClain, 2012 FotoFest Bienniel

David McClain, a Houston-based photographer and interdisciplinary artist, debuts new work at The Kenmore at SKYDIVE Art Space on Saturday, March 24. McClain's installation transforms the inside of the refrigerator into a peepshow using "authentic" vintage porn of famous people including Sylvester Stallone, alleged vintage porn of famous people including Marilyn Monroe and recreated porn based on real porn including famous people such as Erin Andrews, the ESPN sportscaster who was surreptitiously filmed in the nude in her hotel room. Questions raised include our voyeuristic urges, our addiction to celebrity culture, and what it means to be authentic in a digital age.

When asked about borrowing vintage porn for his work, McClain borrows Jim Jarmusch’s words: “Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic.” Furthermore, states McClain, “Maybe I was an adult film star in Bulgaria before migrating to the United States…”




ABOUT THE ARTIST:
David McClain holds a MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a JD from the University of Houston Law Center, and a BA from Rice University. His work has been exhibited in Mission, Texas, Chicago, Illinois, and Houston and published in TimeOut New York, Fifth Wednesday Journal and PhotoNews Magazine (Germany). He is a resident artist at Box 13 ArtSpace. McClain incorporates photography, painting, sculpture, parade floats, and performance in his work. For more information, please visit:

ABOUT THE KENMORE:
Not just another white cube, The Kenmore is a small, cold artist-run exhibition object measuring approximately 36" x 24"x 24". It is mobile and presently located at SKYDIVE Art Space in Houston, Texas. The Kenmore's mission is to keep ideas fresh through the opportunity of a unique exhibition context.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Opening reception: Saturday, March 24, 7-10pm
On view through April 28, Saturdays from 1-5pm or by appointment.

CONTACT:
Emily Sloan
The Kenmore
c/o SKYDIVE Art Space
2041 Norfolk St. 77098
713-582-1198

Exhibition image: Screen capture from "Erin Andrews Recreation," video by Breton Peterson (2010).

FotoFest 2012 Biennial: David McClain's "Refrigerator Art"

For FotoFest 2012 Biennial, The Kenmore will host "Refrigerator Art" by David McClain.

One night only:
Saturday, March 24, 7-10pm.

Location:
SKYDIVE ARTSPACE
2041 Norfolk
Houston, TX 77098

Contact:
Emily Sloan, caretaker of The Kenmore
713-582-1198
thekenmore@gmail.com

Craftism Revisited

Artist Cat Coombes and co-conspirator Edward Lane McCartney, with "The Kenmore", have reprised their "Craftism"show and its accompanying manifesto to arouse renewed deliberation on the delineation between "Art" and "Craft". McCartney has created a small grouping of new jewelry inspired by his recent trip to France, the Var Department, and its chain of small 13th century mountain top villages.

"The Kenmore" is a small, cold, self-run exhibition object. Though it is mobile, it is usually located at Box 13 ArtSpace in Houston, TX. The Kenmore's mission is to keep ideas fresh through the opportunity of a unique exhibition context and the experience of collaboration. The Kenmore gallery object is the creation of artist, curator, and educator Emily Sloan and has been generously loaned by her for this exhibition.

Location until March 10:
Goldesberry Gallery
2625 Colquit Street
Houston, Texas 77098