Resistance!

Resistance!

If you were not there, you missed it! Thirty visual artists from Jacksonville came together Saturday May 6, in a temporary exhibit to protest the current political climate in America and passionately express their mood and opinions opposing the sitting administration through visual and installation art. This one-time show, called Resistance Pop-Up Art Show, was held at The Union Art Studios and Gallery in Jacksonville and every single visitor was highly excited and the crowd was bustling and mingling with artists and discussing recent political developments. The idea to come together was initiated by one of the artists by posting a blatant complaint in frustration on Facebook, calling for all artists and art lovers to act on their feelings of dissatisfaction with the Trump administration. The potentially devastating stream of decisions that have hit our society since Donald J. Trump conquered the presidential seat, is leaving millions of people annoyed, resentful, and devastated but also with a feeling of being powerless. These Jacksonville artists did not feel powerless at all and it showed through their creative expressions. The Resistance Pop-Up Art Show ran from 4-8pm and was organized and hosted by photographer Tammy McKinley, studio manager Kate Frey MacKinnon, and Amber L Angeloni. 

 

Logo by Michael Slayton

The logo for the Resistance show was created by fellow organizer Michael Slayton. The idea resulted from combining definitions of the word resistance from physics and politics. In physics, resistance means the hindrance to the flow of charge, an impediment to the movement of electricity through a system. In politics, resistance means the opposition to an idea or political environment that threatens core values of equality, freedom of press, freedom of speech, separation of church and state, and access to education and medical care. The artists of the Resistance Pop-Up Art Show created works of art that also intensely express opposition to racism, sexism, homophobia, domestic violence, ethnocentrism, misogyny, suppression of science, environmental degradation, corruption, and human rights abuses. They channeled and voiced the opinions and angsts of many millions of oppressed people and the works were provocative through expressed anger, frustration, and fear. Margete Griffin, Robyn Andrews, and Troy Eittreim had submitted works that spoke to me most profoundly.

"Pandora's Box" by Margete Griffin

An impressive mixed media, protest poster-like panel, created by screen-printer Margete Griffin caught my eye. Margete was right there, so I asked her about her inspirations, process, and materials. She stated immediately that “fake news was used back then” and that “propaganda is dangerous.” She told me that she saw this struggle for rights firsthand in the 1960s. In her hometown Columbus, Georgia, she had experienced the disturbing actions of the KKK and the disabling atmosphere of oppression against women and minorities. Her emotions and frustrations were evident as she said that the various proposed legislative bills, most notably the recent amendment to the healthcare bill, are nothing less than “slamming us women” and that the government is “intentionally working some sort of cleansing.” She passionately states that she “never want[s] to do this [protest] again!” On the panel, which turns out to be a door that she found somewhere, are original clippings from a 1939 Look Magazine depicting Nazi Germany, which subject and relevance needs no further elaboration. “They want us financially disabled and afraid. They want us dependent on men like themselves,” says Margete, so she manually changed the “I Am Afraid” slogan, clipped from a 1960s Smithsonian Magazine, to “I Am NOT Afraid”, indicating that women these days are in a stronger and more influential position than back then and that together we have a chance to withstand this oppression. The work is mostly collage and paint and a few screen-printed birds defecating all over our leader. Where Margete Griffin responded to the call to protest on a political level, Robyn Andrews reacted more personal.

"The Trichotomous Resurrection" by Robyn Andrews

Abstract artist Robyn Andrews displayed three large paintings of actual body prints. Yes, stamps of the whole body! I was initially reacting to a triptych of crucified females as the wide open armed figures were dripping with red, blood-like streaks. It turned out not to be a piece divided over three panels, but three works from a series called Persephone, named after the Greek goddess of the underworld, whose husband Hades allowed her to go to the surface only by his grace for short periods of time. Oh, the symbolism! With this work, Robyn attempted to purge a deeply painful and personal domestic experience. With the first panel, a print of a bleeding female figure without head, hands, or feet, she expressed rejection of the “status quo and crucified all that that had been forced upon her, bleeding out the poison of her objectification.” The third panel shows a female figure hanging upside down, bleeding out, indicating the sacrifices that women make in the face of misogyny and demeaning sexism. The middle panel represents a complete exorcism off all evil enforced by the male. The violently red and orange background and the cacophony of colors on the bodies seem to be burning out the bad and glorifying the central figure to a new level of light and freedom. Robyn’s profoundly personal protest against male dominance echoes that of many women, but where she is reacting deeply emotional, Troy Eittreim responds almost blasé.

“The Real Donald Trump is a Liar, a Fake, a Fraud, a Con, a Disaster! And I Can’t Stand That Sack of Shit!” by Troy Eittreim

Troy Eittreim is a neo-surrealist who most likely will not appreciate being put in that box. He usually creates digital images printed on large canvas, and displayed as paintings. His collage-like work is edgy to the point of anti-art. Even though he was the actual artist calling out on Facebook for this protest, he managed to submit … a drawing! On crumbled photo paper and in permanent marker, he badly rendered the image of Donald Trump holding a bag of money with the words “The real Donald J. Trump” written along the side of the body and “Liar & Fake” on the body itself. There was no framing or indeed any attempt to display his work in a pleasing way. On the contrary! To further express his utter defiance, Troy solved the hanging-to-display issue with a binder clip. At first, I was somewhat taken aback but then I found the entry amusing. It took me a little bit to come to the realization that this was the ultimate protest!  Not only does Troy protest against this government and directly against the man who conned and stole his way onto the leadership chair, but he shows profound contempt and disgust by not granting the man any more of his precious creative time than a few hasty scribbles and a clip. The title of this work, “The Real Donald Trump is a Liar, a Fake, a Fraud, a Con, a Disaster! And I Can’t Stand That Sack of Shit!” says all Troy needs to convey and leaves it at that. Brilliant!

The Resistance Pop-Up Art Show was short but powerful. All participating artists are willing to show again if any gallery, museum, or curator feels the call to act. Or even if you personally want to pick up the torch, please contact Tammy McKinley. In her words, thanking everybody who contributed to this event, “Every piece in was strong, emotional, thought provoking, and exceptional. Your work inspired so many people. Thank you so much for lending your voice to the conversation. The resistance is real and last night we expressed it!”

Participating artists (in no particular order):

Hope McMath, Jim Smith, Princess Simpson Rashid, Margete Griffin, Susan Gibbs Natale, Christina A. Boykin, Tammy McKinley, Clinton Eastman, Kate Frey MacKinnon, Michael Slayton, Amber L Angeloni, Dan Hutton, Christopher Clark, Robyn Andrews, Mark S Zimmerman, Jason Tetlak, Katie Bahn, Dana Fawn, Griffith Hood, Jenna Rae Summa, Ishanna Ible, Traci Mims, Kelly Brenner, Troy Eittreim, Elena Øhlander, Kelli Suzanne Smith, Jason Haas, Patrick Miko, Deborah Reid, Rob Hardin, Overstreet Ducasse

For more Information: www.unionstudiosart.com

https://www.facebook.com/theunion3b

or call: (334) 324-1818

Resistance Art Show

The Union Art Studios and Gallery

700 E. Union St. Unit 3B

May 6th, 2017 4:00-8:00 pm

Sources:

Andrews, Robyn. Artist, CoRK Arts District. Instagram.com/41artlife

Cerri-Bartels, Sylvia. Photographs for this article.

Ettreim, Troy. Instagram.com/troyeittreim

Griffin, Margete. Griffin House Fine Art and Illustration. Instagram.com/griffhouse

McKinley, Tammy. Photography. Instagram.com/tmckinleyphoto

The Union Art Studios and Gallery

    The Union Art Studios and Gallery – Third Annual Open House

by Sylvia Cerri-Bartels 

Catty-corner to the Old City Cemetery, northwest of downtown Jacksonville, Florida, stands an abandoned industrial warehouse with about ten bays where trains used to pull up to load their wares. When I pull into the ample entrance of the site, the confusing array of vehicles indicates that parking is implied on an anemic looking field of grass. While walking towards the building, I am pleasantly surprised by an energetic coming and going of people from two entrances, one large one small, at the third bay. A few small groups of people with animated expressions stand around on a heightened platform chatting, laughing, and enjoying some beverages. The mood is quite jovial and I cannot wait to go inside. This work and show place for local artist is called The Union Art Studios and Gallery, or the Union for short, and its members are holding their third annual open house. 

The Union Art Studios and Gallery

A variety of creative businesses and artists have moved into this historic and iconic Union Terminal Warehouse Company building after years of abandonment and disrepair. The Union Terminal Warehouse Company was the largest industrial building for decades in Jacksonville from 1922 until around 1976. This complex building was constructed with reinforced concrete and steel and is a multi-floor structure with an adjacent railway siding, which is still visible, and subways, now mostly flooded. In was designed with pre-1920s state-of-the-art sprinkler system, high power industrial elevators, interior phone system, and even a railway restaurant. The initial purpose of this building was to function as a wholesale distribution center for grocery firms. More than thirty wholesale companies used to operate their goods storage and transport from here, including Whiddon’s Cash Stores and Libby, McNeill & Libby (now Nestle). Eventually, rubber tires companies like Dunlap, non-food retail, and financial businesses were housed there too. There was even a paper manufacturing business called Knight Brothers Paper Company. The railway connections ran to the St. Johns River Terminal and goods went via water freight to New York and other cities. These days, the Warehouse has been rehabilitated and has the exciting new purpose of housing small businesses and creative entrepreneurs of various callings and the Union co-op occupies bay 3b. As I walk up, I see a small chalkboard sign on the former railway platform inviting me to go inside to satisfy my curiosity about the studio, explore the work environment of the artists, and enjoy the art.

The Union Terminal Warehouse Company 1949

Remains of the tracks

The Union is the newest artist studio and gallery in the complex soon to be called the Union House. In the fall of 2012, photographer Tammy McKinley, who had recently translocated to Jacksonville, searched for studio space and called out for like-minded artists to share work space. In February of 2013, a group of painters, illustrators and photographers took over an existing unit at the Warehouse. These artists not only share atelier space but also artistic camaraderie and they help each other prosper in their businesses with leads, marketing opportunities, and recommendations. The Union is “Jacksonville’s dirty little secret,” says McKinley jokingly, meaning that everybody knows and at the same time doesn’t know about this inspiring place and that the Union House is about to emerge as the next Art District. It gives the city an exciting new venue for art lovers to experience the work of some of the best up-and-coming creative talent. This cooperation, or co-op in art jargon, gives local emerging artists freedom to work according to their own needs and purposes. Each artist has his or her own private studio space to retreat to and has access to the larger common areas, which motivate and inspire these creative minds to collaborate. The artists can host individual or collective workshops and classes, entertain clients and collectors, or just hang out for fun. 

High Power Industrial Elevator

            

Richly decorated money toilet

          The industrial elevator sounds like a “chorus of angels,” says McKinley proudly and I agree that it makes a lot of impressively industrial noises. Fortunately, it transports me quite smoothly to the second floor. Exiting this formidable steampunk car, I immediately see the token money toilet, richly decorated with silver, bling, and fur. Continuing into the factory atmosphere with a smile, I quickly scan the layout and decide to walk counter-clockwise around the corridors created by studios around the outside wall and two rows of individual studios in the center. All the walls are painted white to emulate gallery walls and are abundantly showing a vast variety of art. Skipping the appetizing offer of fresh hors d’oeuvres and drinks for now, I see work by the latest member, Trib LaPrade, owner of and photographer with the Spaghetti Kitchen Studio, who displays people in a beautiful and profoundly human and often emotional way. We exchange a few pleasantries and he tells me about his work. Walking on, I come across a small studio where an artist is working on spray-paint art, I see displays of large oil paintings with colorful nudes, digitally designed and painted abstracts, exciting photography, pen and ink surrealism, graphite and watercolor with pencil portraiture, futuristic and dreamy landscapes. In the far left corner is a workshop with bench and power tools for communal use. In the center aisle is an inviting array of mismatched easy chairs and sofas where many visitors are animatedly conversing with each other, enjoying their appetizers, or talking to host-artists. In the very back three gallery panels display the edgy metro and sometimes politically laden photography by Tammy McKinley.

Exciting new art

           

Communal areas for socializing

           Tammy McKinley is the founding principle of The Union Art Studios and Gallery. She was raised in Lexington, Kentucky and a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design for photography. After some freelance work and exhibitions in various in galleries, worked for the independent film, “Swimming”, and was the photo editor of Yikes! Magazine, a photojournalist for The Richmond Register, and a photojournalist for newspapers in Kentucky, New Mexico, Alabama. Tammy developed a unique vision that merges fine art principles with reality based storytelling. Her work has been well published and awarded. Some of the photographs that are on display today, like an image with a woman in a scarlet dress entwining herself with an almost black tree, remind me of dark Edgar Allan Poe stories. Another image, showing a nude woman entangled in a spider web, screams symbolism. The most politically laden photograph shows a woman’s torso painted in stars and stripes and a hand grabbing her “by the pussy” in between her legs from behind. Tammy and her fellow artists at the Union organize an open house every year since their conception to raise awareness of their co-op, the incredible art being created, and the talent of the artist-members. Their goal is to grow their art output and entice art lovers to visit. They intend to expand their work space in the next year and attract more artists who desire to work among like-minded creatively gifted people and become a flourishing part of the brand new Art District of Jacksonville. I am looking forward to write their next chapter.

Center aisle at the Union

Grab em by the Pussy

Participating artists (in no particular order):

Matt Harper, Trib LaPrade, Brittany Churchill, Ronnie Caballero, Allison Tschaekofske, Minda Bachelor, Rob Hardin, Ellin Iselin, Tammy McKinley, Brandon Pourch, Angela Magpusao.

For more Information: www.unionartstudios.com

Sources:

Cerri-Bartels, Sylvia. Photographs for this article.

Chapman, David. “Union House would turn Downtown warehouse into 260 lofts, space           for creative class”. Daily Record. 30 Sept., 2015. Web.

Davis, Ennis. Photographs for Metro Jacksonville. www.metrojacksonville.com

McKinley, Tammy. Photography. www.tmckinleyphotography.com

Pickrell, Kristen. ”The Story Behind The Union Terminal Warehouse Company”. Metro             Jacksonville. 29 Oct, 2014. Web.