May 24, 2007

 

 

Vulnerable In America

Erin McIntosh, DC Scene Contributor

I recently visited the Georgetown art gallery of Gary "Chris" Christopherson, as his new exhibit, Vulnerable in America, is now on display through the end of May.

Though I was impressed with his sculptures of copper and wood, as viewed on his Web site, I can honestly say that the online photographs give his work little justice. The display of soft woods, brilliant curves of copper, and the tinkling sound of moving pieces that cast dancing shadows on the gallery wall was beyond impressive.

Though this little gallery is not on the main streets of Wisconsin and M, it is worth the hop, skip and a jump it takes to get there off of Wisconsin Avenue. You won't be disappointed as you arrive at a bright, open room and are greeted by Chris, cheerful and anxious to allow you to enjoy his art in the way you most feel comfortable. Whether you want to quietly gaze at pieces like “Embrace The Vulnerable,” searching for the meaning it may bring to your own life, or if you want to gently touch pieces like “Encircled But Free,” discussing with Chris his thoughts and feelings as he created it, you will find your own way to understand Vulnerable in America.

As I looked at each piece, they told a small part of a larger story that ultimately contributed to the greater vision. I did not get the impression that Vulnerable in America was created for those looking for complex or convoluted meanings behind the sculptures, as we can sometimes feel when we look at artwork, but I felt that they were for those who have an open heart and mind for answering questions like “Why?” as seen in the piece with that same title, and questions like, “What can we do about all of the vulnerability that we see and experience?” through pieces like “Lift Up From Vulnerability” and “Don’t Hurt Anymore”. Each sculpture tells part of this story, pushing us to look at ourselves and the part that we play in the problems of society, and the pieces challenge us to stand up and be part of the solution. To create artwork with such an important message in such a way that we cannot understand its meaning would be a disservice to those trying to be reached -- the vulnerable in America. Chris brilliantly captures this message in these uniquely designed sculptures.

The sculptures do not only encourage provocative thought, though. They are each beautiful and distinctive pieces of artwork that can be appealingly displayed in any environment. The soft and sometimes rigid contours of the copper and the smooth lines of the wood are often suspended in such a way that even a child can enjoy the way a piece looks and moves, much in the way you may have grazed your fingers over the wind chime that hung outside your doorway as a child, perhaps on your way to the schoolbus or when coming in for a snack after a long day of playing. It was as though that airy design was just begging you to feel its individual parts as they moved with the wind.

Even if the purpose of Vulnerable in America is only to provide an enhancement to any room, these pieces will accomplish that task. However, it is because the artwork spurs us to envision a nation that comes together to provide peace, as seen in “Just Some Peace," that it is so necessary that they are embraced by the community to be shared with others so as to pass on a vision of hope and love to those around us.

I encourage you to stop by the gallery to appreciate the artwork for yourself, and don’t be afraid to bring your family. Vulnerable in America not only speaks a message of hope to you and to me, but its enjoyable beauty appeals to even the youngest of Americans.

 

3144 Dumbarton Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20007

Website: www.GChris.com      Phone: 301-318-3760     Email: GChris@GChris.com

Copyright     1975-2008

All Rights Reserved

Gary A. Christopherson