Invitation to Indigo: Expanding the Sample Space

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

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 and far.

  2. Expanding the Sample Space - installation made by Iris Sullivan Daire 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 by artist Iris Sullivan Daire. A contemplative space bathed in light passing through panels of indigo dyed cloth

Prospectus:  Expanding the Sample Space

*Expanding the Sample Space - Installation and community spell of collective consciousness - an act of sampling our radical imagining for a positive future reality.

Visions from a benevolent future are written onto strips of cotton cloth in indelible ink by participants. These strips are then dipped in indigo vats before being assembled into an installation for the Invitation to Indigo exhibit.

As any indigo dyer knows, care of a vat requires paying attention to the details, how the vat looks, smells, even sounds, and tastes can be part of care. Dipping a cloth sample strip into the vat provides concrete proof of the health of the vat.

This installation is intended to take a sampling from the “vats” of potential positive collective futures, and tethering them in the now. What we can imagine and visualize can be realized. During this time in history we are facing many many challenges as a planet. Oblivion can begin to feel like a forgone conclusion. This installation is therefor a reminder that the future is not set, and that we can make choices for more benevolent outcomes. It opens a door into the world of possibilities that surrounds us at all times.  By providing participants a space to pause and feel into a wonderful timeline of widespread health, equity, and balance with nature, we increase the chances that we will walk into that future.

Sample strips will be collected throughout 2022.

Three ways to participate:

  1. Locally: students in classes taught by Iris on the Oregon and Washington Coasts will be invited to take part, and given a 4” x 13” cloth strip to write or draw their positive future vision upon. These will be collected through out 2022, and dipped in indigo prior to the exhibit.

  2. Remote individuals: people who live in other areas can contact Iris to participate. These strips can be dipped in indigo by the participant in their studio, or sent to Astoria to be dipped here.

  3. Instructors and community organizers: can contribute strips from a sample space exercise in their community for this show, please contact Iris for support.