“Projection Series” at the luggage store

"Projection Series" at Lights on Market Street Launch. Photo by Lydia Gonzales

Artist Megan Wilson and the luggage store co-director Darryl Smith share some insight on Projection Series, an on-going exhibition in conjunction with The ARTery Project. Projection Series can viewed outside the luggage store at 1007 Market Street through the end of June.

What are unique characteristics and styles of the artists included in Projection Series?

The luggage store’s new Projections Series that launched on December 9, 2010 will include works by the following artists in 2011: Adriana Varella, Akosua Adoma Owusu, Bárbara Belloc, Carolyn Castaño, crystal am nelson, Eliza Barrios, Gina Osterloh, Hong-An Truong, Hunter Longe, Jorge Bachmann/MEI.collectiv, Kevin Jerome Everson, Megan Wilson, Paz de la Calzada, Poklong Anading, and TWCDC, (Together We Can Defeat Capitalism). The participating artists range from those who identify as video artists or filmmakers (Adrianna Varella, Akosua Adoma Owusu, Eliza Barrios, Hong-An Truong, Hunter Longe, Jorge Bachmann/MEI.collectiv, Kevin Jerome Everson) to artists who use the medium conceptually or as a component within a larger body of their work (Bárbara Belloc, Carolyn Castaño, crystal am nelson, Gina Osterloh, Megan Wilson, Paz de la Calzada, Poklong Anading, TWCDC). Their visual styles and content also vary widely from provocative narratives to conceptual propositions that challenge viewers to consider a broader context, to dreamy divertisements, infused with childlike wonder and playfulness to pure ambient eye candy. All the artists will present works that speak to the context of the space on Market Street or another site-specific public location (Mobile Unit project).

What sort of responses have you received from passersby for the series?

Responses to the 2^nd Floor Window Projections have been very positive. It has been especially encouraging to see such a diverse audience of folks (young, old, all ethnicities, holiday shoppers, tourists, theatergoers, passersby, artists, and those who call the street home) specifically coming (or stopping as they pass by) to see the projections. Visitors are also patronizing Show Dogs, the hot dog/burger restaurant directly across the street, to sit at a table outside or in the window for extended viewing.   Our goal through the Projection Series (the 2^nd Floor Window Projections and the Mobile Unit) is to provide public audiences from all walks of life with the experience of thoughtful, engaging, and/or inspiring contemporary art for free. We aim to provide an unexpected and refreshing alternative to the corporate messaging that saturates our public space.

What are the luggage store’s hopes and expectations for The ARTery Project?

As an active and engaged resident of the mid-Market area since 1987 , the luggage store has deep roots in the neighborhood/community. Our hopes and expectations for The ARTery Project are that the City will embrace a long-term investment in the neighborhood and support a commitment to fully integrating art, culture, and commerce in a way that’s beneficial and sustainable for ALL members of the community. In line with the Art Commission’s vision, the luggage store hopes to be part of a practice through which art, performance, and community are held as integral, rather than as spectacle.

Still from "Old Cat" by Kevin Jerome Everson

The next artist featured in Projection Series will be Kevin Jerome Everson. The piece, Old Cat (2009, 16mm, 11:25, black and white, silent) will open on Friday, January 14th, at 6:00 p.m. and run consecutive evenings through January 31st.