Indigo Matrix

 
 

Important Dates:

RSVP ASAP - JULY 30th

Work Delivered August 30, 2022

Show Opens: September 10, 2022

Show Closes: October 2, 2022

 

RSVP

 

Invitation to the

Indigo Matrix

AVA Gallery      Astoria, Oregon      Sept. 10 - Oct. 2 2022 

 

SUBMISSION FORM

Dear Indigo Artist-

You are cordially invited to participate in the Indigo Matrix, an invitational group show, that I am curating in Astoria Oregon at the AVA Gallery in September 2022.  You are being invited because I admire your work with natural indigo. (Please see the formal Prospectus below, or print out the PDFs to read all of this off line.)

As a complement to the other areas in the Invitation to Indigo exhibit, the Indigo Matrix group show, will showcase artists working with natural indigo in a variety of methods on cloth and paper. The aim of the Invitation to Indigo exhibit as a whole is to bring the beautiful vastness of indigo to the community on the North Coast of Oregon and our visitors. The hope of the IM is that it will also connect indigo artists to each other via virtual gatherings.

Indigo is a complex color, with a singular beauty sourced from many plants in many ways. The history of humans is entangled with it. Indigo blue has both held a place of deepest honor, its sacredness recognized and revered for its healing potential, and, it has been at the center of immense suffering, through exploitation, and slavery brought to fore by colonialism, white supremacy, and industrialization. 

As an artist working with these plants in these times, it is very important to me to acknowledge the harm that has been done, and then to create with healing intent. This is not always visible in the finished work, though I hope it is felt. 

The theme of the Indigo Matrix is Transmutation, referring to the energetic work of transmuting the suffering into healing. Indigo by its very nature speaks a language of transformation and mystery. The fiber undergoes many changes during the dyeing process before the indigo breathes into blue. 

The plan is to mount the 24” x 24” unframed pieces onto board using pins or clips, and attaching the boards to the wall. They will be arranged into a grid pattern. For this reason precise measurements are important. Not framing the pieces will both minimize shipping costs for participating artists, and allow for a unified presentation. Depending on how many pieces are submitted the pattern may be filled out using solid dyed panels.

The Indigo Matrix will be on the north wall of the gallery, clearly visible from the large west windows.  A show book on a pedestal  in front of it will encourage viewers to learn more about the individual artists and their work.

I would love to host at least one virtual gathering of participating artists - Both as a means of sharing the show with you from afar, and because this project seems ripe for community building and potentially follow on collaborative projects. (For instance work trades between artists.) 

If you plan to participate please let me know as soon as you can. You can do so on the RSVP form on the side, or use the Submission form below to tell me about your piece.

If you would like to travel to Astoria during the show, please contact me. We have space at our home, or I may be able to arrange other home stays with some awesome local folks. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me. 

Warmest Regards-

Iris

                Email: iris@dreambirdstudio.com        

              Cell: 503.470.9711

Prospectus

Prospectus:  Indigo Matrix - Invitational Show

Piece Perimeters for Participating Artists: 

  • Theme of Artwork: Transmutation

  • Dimensions: Each participant may submit 1- 3 unframed pieces for the exhibit. Each piece must measure 24” x 24” (61cm x 61cm)

  • Media: paper or textile, any technique, must include the use of natural indigo.

  • Presentation: Unframed pieces will be mounted onto boards using pins or clips and arranged together on the wall into a matrix.

  • Delivery: Work must arrive no later than Tuesday August 30th. Artists are responsible for shipping costs to, and from, exhibit. (Shipping address: Dream Bird Studio 5249 Birch Street Astoria OR 97103)

  • Dates: exhibit opens with a reception on Second Saturday Art Walk, September 10 from 12-8 pm, and will run through October 2.

  • Sales: The commission of the AVA Gallery is 50/50, or 60/40 for AVA members. Please consider that when pricing your work. Artwork does not need to be for sale.

About Exhibit: 

Invitation to Indigo is an exhibition centered in plant based blue which welcomes the public into a space of possibilities and transformation, a collaborative show in three parts curated by Iris Sullivan Daire.

The Invitation to Indigo exhibit contains: 

  1. Indigo Matrix - main gallery, an invitational space featuring work by select indigo artists from near & far.

  2. Expanding the Sample Space - installation made from indigo dyed cloth inscribed with our collective visions for a positive future. This portion of the exhibit will evolve over the exhibition. The inscribed cloths will be collected at community events throughout 2022. Live Persicaria tinctoria plants, and a natural indigo vat will hold space in this part of the gallery.

  3. Blue Sky Grotto - an installation at the east end of the gallery by artist Iris Sullivan Daire. A contemplative space bathed in light passing through panels of indigo dyed cloth

About the Venue: 

Astoria Visual Arts is located at 1000 Duane Street in Astoria. A 501(c)3 member based organization established in 1989 to “enhance, strengthen and promote” the arts in greater Astoria. The community here on the North Coast has been home to many well known artists over the decades, drawn here by the marvelous light, and benefiting from the work of this organization.