ID: a text graphic with a black background and distorted, horizontal lines that look like glitches in VHS technology. Light gray text at the top of the image reads: “Fresh Eye Gallery presents.” Below in large, block letters in white, “BEAUTIFUL WORLD;" below that, in red text, "Art in Devolutionary Times. In light gray text, centered over a black background: "Opening reception: October 24, 6-8pm; Masks-required viewing hour: 5-6pm; Live music from DEVO cover band, REVO: 7:30-8pm; Exhibit runs October 23 - November 23
BEAUTIFUL WORLD
Hang onto your energy domes, people! We are thrilled to announce our next exhibit: BEAUTIFUL WORLD, Art in Devolutionary Times. Inspired by a collaboration with DEVO Fine Art Prints, we’ve collected a mix of artwork that aligns with the concepts behind the influential and legendary band DEVO!
During their time as students at Kent State University, DEVO formed out of an appreciation for art-as-music. The band members were deeply influenced by the Vietnam War, campus protests, and the tragic Kent State shootings of May 1970. The band started creating music that was anti-establishment and centered on the theme of “De-evolution”- the idea that, rather than progressing toward a greater good for all, humanity is regressing towards state of dysfunction. DEVO utilizes humor and absurdity combined with futurism, electronics, and punk rock to skewer pop culture and politics from the 70s to today.
Photo by Allan Tannenbaum
ID: Members of the band DEVO wearing matching teal and black outfits and shiny black plastic hair, gather around to look at a GQ magazine.
Examples of devolution are all around us: climate change, consumerism, capitalism, corporate greed, artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, loss of individuality, conformity... the prescient message of DEVO has resonated with spuds, mutants, and comrades for decades.
Works selected for BEAUTIFUL WORLD will be displayed alongside a strictly limited-edition portfolio of rare or never-before-seen DEVO images by world-class photographers: Neal Preston, Ebet Roberts, Allan Tannenbaum, and Richard Alden Peterson. These highly collectible prints are of a set quantity and signed by each member of DEVO.
Exhibiting artists
Alex Stillman, Analeise Jarvi Beamer, Brieanna Lindquist, Bryce Holt, Claire McKevitt,
David Alan Berg, Erik Farseth, Ian Scheele, Joah Bingert, Josie Browning, Lynaea Russom,
Mariah Markt, Nate Reiman, Nina Rivera, Paleoelectronics, Rachel Quast, Retech,
Scott D Bowron, Shannon Twohy, Vincent Dezutti