signal-return at the scarab club
We exChange
We exChange is a three-phase, year-long collaboration inviting 12 metro Detroit visual and literary artists to explore and co-create work reimagining the meaning of change in a time of chaos — its limits and its unexpected possibilities. In each phase of the project — loosely inspired by the French surrealist art game known as exquisite corpse and the prescient words of Black science fiction writer Octavia Butler — the artists each create new works influenced by images and words from the prior phase.
The Scarab Club is proud to partner with Signal-Return to showcase the culminating works as well as an immersive audio experience designed to help the public simultaneously explore the concept of change. The suite of custom prints on display reflect the willingness of individual artists to collectively blend their ideas, approaches and work into unplanned joint creations. The exhibition also marks the first time that all 12 artists will view their works in connection with one another and as sparks for exchange with the public.
Taurus Burns brings Kristin Palm’s intimate account of freighters, prison and gentrification to life using figurative realism to narrate his autobiographical experience with systemic racism. Due to the starkness of a strictly black and white palette absent of any value nuancing, line work is critical in this potent visual delivery.
Simone DeSousa illustrates Justin Rogers’ lilting words on blessings and miracles. Rogers’ lines roll and shift in harmony with DeSousa’s beautifully varied descriptions that create a softly vibrating depth.
The show goes beyond prints with works like these small paintings where DeSousa elaborates on word and shape by adding color and texture. The intentional drips and marks allow a more expressive timbre to complete her narrative.
Making art is more often a solo enterprise. Once in a while, we get to collaborate generating an infusion of inspiration and heightened creativity. I enjoyed the documentation of a bunch of makers hanging out together sharing ideas. The thoughtful, considered energy shines through in these photos and informs the result.
“All that you touch you change. All that you change changes you. The Only lasting truth is change.” -Octavia E. Butler
We exChange is co-directed by Signal-Return Director and visual artist Lynne Avadenka and writer Nichole M. Christian.
Participating Artists:
Visual: Taurus Burns, Judy Bowman, Simone DeSousa, Karianne Spens-Hanna, Jerome Patryjak, Dalia Reyes Literary: Justin Rogers, Lujine Nasralla, Kristin Palm, Tawana Petty, Billy Mark, Anna Clark
On view through October 1 at The Scarab Club 217 Farnsworth, Detroit
*images are mine
direct quote from exhibition materials
SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND