Plato’s Cave

Bo Petran, Stephanie Arnett, and invited guests

 

May 7-28, 2016
The artists, Bo Petran and Stephanie Arnett portray reality through the interplay of light and shadow, as in a camera obscura, defining space and focusing our conscious attention through an interactive constructed environment.

In the classical allegory, inhabitants shackled in the near darkness of a cave live a pitiable, limited existence. By contrast, those who have escaped the cave enjoy enlightenment. Here both perspectives are used as tools, to foil the traditional analysis that demonizes the dark and champions the light.

Petran has also invited Charlene Liska, Anna Salmeron and other artists to collaborate on this project.

Bo Petran is a self-taught artist, working in an abstract expressionist style. His paintings and site-specific installations are influenced by his escape from Czechoslovakia during the Cold War. Petran says he “crossed the border to West Germany with a machine gun in his hand” – beginning his pursuit of freedom through material investigation.

Stephanie Arnett is a Boston-based photographer and artist. Her recent forays into three-dimensional forms and virtual reality continue of the narrative of space and exploration from her Away Mission series. Stephanie’s work has been recognized by Photo District News, the Danforth Museum, and the Magenta Foundation.

Opening Reception : Saturday, May 7, 2016, 6-9PM
Third Thursday Reception and Artist Talks: Thursday, May 19, 6-9PM
Gallery Hours: Fridays & Saturdays, 2-6 PM or by appointment