TEXT opens today at DAVA

TEXT

This exhibition explores communications systems across time and cultures.  Through text and images, DAVA youth explored past and current ways of messaging, culminating in stories described through a variety of print/3d media.  Works by guest artists Rick Griffith, Joel Swanson and Xi Zhang add different approaches. The exhibit opens May 16^th with an opening reception from 4 to 7:30 pm and a spoken word performance by Molina Speaks at 4:30 pm. The exhibit will be open to the public until June 28^th. DAVA (Downtown Aurora Visual Arts) is located at 1405 Florence St., one block south of East Colfax in the Aurora Cultural Arts District.

After examining the history of communication, DAVA middle school age students used typewriters, texting abbreviations, stop motion and digital animation to tell stories. Younger students inscribed personal stories with drawings and words on hand built clay stelae, drawn selfies, ideograms, and words on wood panels. Visitors will also be able to write messages using ceramic emoticons to share their impressions during the exhibit.

Guest designer Rick Griffith introduced the concepts of typography and communication to DAVA students.  A selection of Griffith’s prints created with the letterpress will be included in the exhibition. Xi Zhang’s series of paintings represents people taking selfies within traditional settings, mixing old and new. In his digital media pieces, Joel Swanson uses abstract shapes to communicate through Braille and keyboard keys.

This exhibit is free and open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday or by appointment. For more information, please e-mail gallery@davarts.org. 

Downtown Aurora Visual Arts is a nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to strengthen the community through the arts with youth as its primary focus. For more information about our programs, visit www.davarts.org, or call DAVA at 303 367 5886.