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Conflating Alchemy: Dark Organics at the Whole Gallery

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In the Studio with Mike McConnell

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That Neon Glow

Traditionally, alchemists are those receptive individuals who approach chemistry and practical science with an additional set of powers and unique expectations. They look at ordinary materials and see the potential for greatness, riches, or eternal youth through methodical, careful, study and experimentation. Chemical reactions are recorded, amplified, and transmutations occur, producing new, beautiful and amazing things.

Alchemy is a term that has traversed the time since the era of its origin to find a new and relevant foothold in contemporary vernacular. In today’s world of sterile laboratories and corporate funded science, Alchemy finds more of a home in creative occupations, with its definition fluidly expanding to fit the context. Alchemy explains the extraordinary transformation of ingredients into a masterpiece, be it artwork, music, choreography or cooking as a mysterious set of gifts, intuitions and skills that continue to divine new and magical combinations. Dark Organics conflates the idea of alchemy with the artistic process and inspiration; the sublimation of idea into artwork and the inner workings of those who transform the ordinary into aesthetic achievements.

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Dark Organics
July 11 – August 9
The Whole Gallery H&H

Artists: April Camlin, Chris Lavoie, Ursula Minervini, Kaitlin Murphy, Nick Primo, and Cheyenne Seeley

Photos by Alex Ebstein

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