THE SAM FRANCIS GALLERY AT CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES PRESENTS
Fragmented Memories: Manifestations of an Obscured Nostalgia
A Student-Organized Exhibition
Exhibition Duration: Feb. 12-28, 2025
Reception: Wednesday, Feb. 12 // 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Artists: Jeff Beall, Elizabeth Gorcey P’25, Joanne Hayakawa, JPW3, Richard C. Miller
Organized by Curatorial Art students: Ava Grossi, Avery Jones, Celeste Molina, Ruby Schur, Siân Smith
Fragmented Memories: Manifestations of an Obscured Nostalgia is intertwined throughout with the essence of nostalgia. To evoke the feeling of fragmented memory is to validate the inability to envision a memory as a whole. As time passes, memories become obscured—this is inevitable, yet our desire to preserve the past manifests itself as a voracious need for romanticized experiences that become altered through ever evolving perception.
Inspired by real world happenings, Jeff Beall strives to capture the delicacy of humanity. His work balances the idealism and occult qualities of the art world with the truths of reality. In his works from the Non-photo Blue series, excerpts of news articles remain visible to provide insight into the images he enhances with vibrant blues. Beall’s Untitled (Two Ways) piece, from the Encryption Paintings series, is composed of subtle text encryptions, integrating modern technology with the timeless appeal of painting itself.
Elizabeth Gorcey’s work aligns with the theme by her profound engagement with the human condition and entranced by the rawness of these concentrated images. Elizabeth has extensive experience working in the cinematic field as an actress, director and producer. She uses this knowledge in her fight to create documentary-style films that shed light on the stories of the unnoticed, the unheard. By boldly exploring socially taboo topics like aging and disability, she translates the lives of others into compelling films. Elizabeth’s creative endeavors have won awards and advocated for individuals and communities the world had pushed aside.
When referring to her notes, Joanne Hayakawa reflects, “I am drawn to symbiotic, diametrically-opposed pairs. . .In order to explore opposing pairs, I have used body parts and coupled them with parts from nature. . .These images have predictable implications. However, they are put into new contexts where there are shifts. . .They are messengers, and I am hopeful the viewer will empathize with the context that I provide as though they are regarding their own body.” Joanne Hayakawa’s detailed and attentive work are both hyper-specific and universal. They elicit feelings of conflict, pain, calm, death, hurt and more. The bird imagery implemented in her sculptures Winged and Hover Chat act as motifs to transport the viewer into their own mind and examine their memories, as well as characters for the viewer to superimpose themself onto. Hayakawa’s work is brimming with the urgency and specificity that reflect our own lives.
Richard C. Miller has covered the entertainment industry as a freelance photographer, documenting the making of many movies. He is best known for his photographs of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. These selected works reflect recognizable faces of our collective history, and provide us with a view of the past that is not confined to a movie screen. They show real life, and contain a feeling of immediacy that brings the past alive right before our eyes.
JPW3 is known for his interdisciplinary approach to the visual arts. He stretches the boundaries of philosophical realms through his artwork, contemplating the effects of texture, material and thought process. His work, along with the works of each participating artist, brings forth ideas of impermanence and nostalgia.
The reception does not require an RSVP. During normal gallery hours, please make a reservation in advance by clicking here. Visitors must check in with security.