BSD Butcher Shop Dogmatic presents As long as grass grows and water runs : New work by Clint Bargers and Tim Ridlen

BSD Butcher Shop Dogmatic presents
As long as grass grows and water runs
New work by Clint Bargers and Tim Ridlen
May 27th, 2006-June 17th, 2006
Opening reception Saturday May 27th 6-10pm

The landscape finds its definitive characteristics, not in the physical but in the imaginary. One result of westward expansion in American history is the rise of an imagined landscape, or a utopian space. Individuals visualize these utopian spaces via the excesses of culture. Together the works of Clint Bargers and Tim Ridlen address issues surrounding individualism, cultural excess, history, and landscape.

Clint Bargers' sculptures are colored with the vocabulary of the low-life and the drifter, the post-industrial generation's contemporary America. By combining a wide range of media, his work illustrates an introspective, schizophrenic mythology that parallels larger socio-political issues.

Tim Ridlen's photographs and videos attempt to assert control over a reality built on memories and movies. Operating behind and in front of the camera, the protagonist struggles against failure, isolation, and physical space to articulate an intimate yet violent relationship with actuality. Side by side, they sort out history, geography, and culture to re-imagine the American landscape.

The contemporary notion of the American landscape is mythic and not so easily defined by its physical boundaries as it is by its imaginary borders. The works of Bargers and Ridlen attempt to dismantle the conceit of the American myth of westward expansion that is the advent of this imaginary landscape. By isolating the individualism, history, and geography that's at the core of this utopian space, they sort through the excess of culture to re-imagine the American landscape as a multiplicity of form and context.

BSD Butcher Shop Dogmatic
1319 W. Lake St., 3rd Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60607
Map/directions: http://tinyurl.com/7wf6r

We are open to the public on Saturdays from noon until 6pm or by appointment
to make an appointment please call 312.375.7757
or write [email protected]
Michael S. Thomas, Director

Event website: http://www.dogmaticchicago.com/exhibition.asp?showid7

BSD Butcher Shop Dogmatic Chicago Art Gallery