Hatchet of Hope

Paula Elliott

THE THING IS, Suite 7 #1 Charcoal, pastel, pencil & acrylic, 40" X 32", 2017

www.paulaelliott.net

Welcome to the "Hatchet of Hope" art exhibition, showcasing the artistic creations of Paula Elliott, Matthew Gamber, Liz Koerner, Astrid Li, and Aula, Niskanen & Salo.

The exhibition title embodies the notion that hope serves as a powerful instrument to transcend established patterns and facilitate transformative endeavors amidst a world characterized by constant change. Hope, in this context, extends beyond mere optimism or positivity, encompassing a profound acknowledgment of reality and a proactive commitment to address it.

The creative action of making is an inherently courageous and hopeful endeavor. The works presented by these five artists offer a rich tapestry of perspectives exploring the potential of hope as a metaphorical hatchet. Symbolically, hope functions as a tool that effectively severs ties to the stagnation of the past, forging new pathways toward progress and renewal. Across various artistic mediums, ranging from photography to sculpture, each artist presents a distinct vision of how to nurture hope within a world often fraught with uncertainty and overwhelming challenges.

Collectively, their diverse artistic expressions reflect a world in constant flux, where hope is not a passive inclination to await improvement, but an active engagement with the world to effect change. The art pieces serve as an invitation for viewers to delve into the profound beauty and latent possibilities for rejuvenation inherent within our uncertain surroundings. By embracing the metaphorical hatchet of hope, viewers are encouraged to carve a transformative path toward a more promising future.

Matthew Gamber

The Field, Large format anaglyph photograph on polyester fabric, Dimensions Variable, 2016

matthewgamber.com

In a realm beyond comprehension, where the boundaries of reality blurred and the ethereal danced with the tangible, a mystic convergence came to pass. It whispered of a profound truth known as the Hatchet of Hope, a notion that resonated through the very fabric of existence. Seekers from distant corners of the cosmos embarked on a quest, guided by an internal longing to unravel the enigmatic threads woven within their souls.

As they traversed the labyrinthine corridors of their own consciousness, veiled secrets began to unfurl, resonating with a whispering resonance that seemed to originate from deep within their being. Each step brought them closer to the essence of their existence, to the truth that lay hidden beneath layers of illusion.

Amidst the enigma, they encountered a vessel of equilibrium—a sacred artifact that radiated a palpable sense of harmony. Its form defied logic, morphing and pulsating with a rhythm known only to the veiled forces of the cosmos. Those who dared to peer into its depths witnessed the delicate dance of opposing forces, transcending the boundaries of comprehension and evoking a profound sense of tranquility.

A transcendentalist anaglyph materialized, its shifting forms inviting them to peer beyond the surface of their perceptions. With each contemplative gaze, the veils of reality unraveled, revealing a multidimensional tapestry of boundless exploration. It was a mirror of introspection, urging them to transcend the limitations of their current existence and embark on a profound journey of self-discovery. Beyond the bounds of logic, they stumbled upon a mysterious abode—an ethereal dwelling suspended in the void. It defied the constraints of gravity, offering sanctuary to weary souls seeking respite from the burdens of the earthly realm. Within its intangible embrace, they found refuge, releasing the weight of existence and embracing the boundless expanses of their inner sanctums.

A mirror, adorned with celestial crystals, manifested before them, reflecting distorted truths and concealed facets of their own being. Its surface shimmered with enigmatic allure, whispering forgotten strengths and dormant aspirations. They beheld the kaleidoscope of their own potential, igniting the embers of hope within their core.

Finally, an ephemeral phenomenon materialized—a wondrous spectacle of transient beauty. It ebbed and flowed, elusive and ever-changing, evoking a profound sense of the fleeting nature of life itself. In its delicate whispers, they heard echoes of the present moment, urging them to seize each passing instant with fervor and embrace the ephemeral with open hearts.

Through the passage of their own odyssey, these intrepid seekers became the embodiment of their own quest. Armed with the ethereal hatchet of hope, they carved new pathways through the depths of their consciousness. They delved into the abstract and the strange, unearthing the enigmatic truths hidden within. With each step, they unraveled the layers of their own existence, forging a connection with the intangible wonders that lay dormant within. And so, as they emerged from the mystic realm of their internal pilgrimage, these seekers carried with them the fragments of their own journey.

They embraced the equilibrium within, harmonizing the opposing forces that resided within their souls. They transcended the confines of their perceptions, venturing into the uncharted realms of their infinite potential. They discovered a sanctuary within themselves, a groundless home where their spirit could flourish. In the tapestry of their lives, they etched the reflections of their own metamorphosis—a testament to the profound impact of embracing the abstract and the strange. With hope as their guiding light and the hatchet of change in their hands, they embarked on an eternal quest of self-discovery, forever dancing with the enigmatic mysteries of their own existence.

- Operator: GC Builders, Grin Cupola Curation Team Gen.1

Astrid Li

Ying, Yarn on canvas, 69" x 31", 2023

www.astridliart.com

MARK NISKANEN & JANI-MATTI SALO:

A Scene Fragment (2020)

Video artwork, dimension variable.

A nocturnal landscape in which every sea mark light is assigned a particular musical note.

www.niskanensalo.com

Liz Koerner

Recurrent. Douglas fir, basswood, ash, vinyl, water, graphite, liming wax. 59" x 31" x 21", 2017

www.liz-koerner.com

Works:

<— flip or scroll left and right —>