Contours of the Liminal
Joe Strickland, Beaver Mountain (2011), C-Print, Acrylic, Aluminum, 30 x 40 in.
Dama Gallery is pleased to present "Contours of the Liminal: The Art of Public Privacy", a solo exhibition of photographs by Joe Strickland, curated by Micheal Swank of Art Gallery Studios.
This exhibition is a featured component of The Bureau of Queer Art's Volume 4 - Pink Tide and celebrates the first anniversary of the magazine and podcast, alongside the fourth anniversary of Art Gallery Studios' queer summer exhibitions.
In "Contours of the Liminal," artist Joe Strickland invites us into the often-overlooked world of public restrooms, transforming these spaces into canvases that challenge and redefine our perceptions. Each photograph in the Toilet Room series captures the complexity of public restrooms as liminal spaces—transitional, holding deep social and cultural significance yet frequently dismissed as merely utilitarian.
Strickland's work, characterized by its sophisticated presentation—chromogenic color prints face-mounted to acrylic with an aluminum backing—does not seek to alter these spaces but to shift our gaze. By photographing these environments devoid of human presence, the artist allows the space itself and the remnants of its absent occupants to narrate their own story. This creates a unique viewing experience where privacy, public norms, and the unspoken merge, revealing layers of social and cultural narratives.
The exhibition encourages viewers to engage in a dialogue about visibility, privacy, and the societal roles these shared spaces play. Strickland’s photographs are not just images; they are portals to introspection and conversation, highlighting themes of social status, privacy, gender, and the often taboo aspects of our shared environments.
Join us in celebrating this compelling exploration of public and private life and partake in a new form of artistic communion. We invite you to download The Bureau of Queer Art magazine for free, explore purchasing options, and consider applying to be a part of this vibrant community of queer and allied artists. "Contours of the Liminal" not only marks a milestone in queer artistic collaboration but also reinforces our commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive artistic community through our online INCUBATOR residency program.
Experience the unseen. Discover the unspoken. Reimagine the familiar with "Contours of the Liminal.
ARTIST
Joe Strickland is an artist working within the photographic medium. His photographs explore themes including privacy, gender, equality, social constructs, and change sparked by global connectivity. Strickland uses his work to examine ideas that are too nuanced to be encompassed by the experience of a single individual. His goal is to generate understanding regarding the divisive issues presented in his photographs so the audience may complete the work through conversation that spans a multitude of perspectives. Strickland believes that this will ultimately lead to greater understanding. His work has been widely featured internationally in galleries and museums in the U.S., Italy, and Ireland as well as in art journals, newspapers, and blogs.
Artwork details and collector inquiries are available on ARTSY, click below.
SOLO FEATURE
May 21 - August 21, 2024
GALLERY DATES
PINK TIDE, June 1 - August 3, 2024
LOCATION
1793 E Main Street, Ventura CA 93001
OPENING RECEPTION
June 1 , 2024 6-8p
GALLERY HOURS
Saturdays 12-3P
Weekdays By Appointment