Art Of 'Alchemy' Brings Materials To A Higher State (PHOTOS)

PHOTOS: 'Alchemy' Exhibition Presents A Chemical Fantasy
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Alchemy in its strict definition means turning base metals into gold. The term also applies to an almost divine transmutation, a process both scientific and mystical that lifts an object into a higher form. This alchemy is the goal of an artist.

In an upcoming exhibition at 7Eleven Gallery, artists toy with the notion of alchemy, and through experimenting with common objects and freeing them from common sense, create uncommonly beautiful works.


William Stone, "A Beaver's Piece"

7Eleven Gallery explains the exhibition approaches transmutation: "scientifically, as a study of compounds and matter; religiously and mystically, as the union of man and the divine for the goal of achieving a level of perfect balance on a quest for the greater refinement of self."

The resulting artworks, from a deconstructed Tiffany's box to a diamond made of plywood, all exist in the growing cracks which grow between material and form. The show poses the possibility that every object is a material with potential and the world can be a work of art.

'Alchemy' features work from Thomas Beale, Lucas Blalock, Nick Doyle, Adam Fuss, GAINES, Elissa Goldstone, Eve Andrée Laramée, Eva Lewitt, Dylan Lynch, Thomas McDonell, Casey Neistat, Lesley Raeside, Jason Reppert, Alex Rickard, Keith Sonnier, Michael St. John, William Stone, John Torreano and Rob Wynne.

It will show a 7Eleven Gallery from January 12th - February 18th, 2012. Opening Reception: January 12th, 6-9 PM.

Alchemy New
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Michael St. John, "Untitled (tiffany box)", Collage, acrylic on wood 34" x 48", 2011
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Eva LeWitt, "Honey Bee", Plastic, Embroidery threat, 18" x 18" x 9", 2011
(03 of15)
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Lesley Raeside, "Disturbed Shen", Pastels and charcoal on paper, 36" x 28", 2011
(04 of15)
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Nick Doyle, "Exit", Gaffers tape, epoxy resin, synthetic polymer paint, plywood, 18" x 14", 2011
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GAINES, Door #2, Door #3, Door #4 and Door #5, Electrified Doors, 7' x 4', 2011 In this installment, GAINES has transformed four previously abandoned doors into playable musical sculptures. Electrified, each door expresses its own, otherwise unheard, sound.
(06 of15)
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Keith Sonnier, "MidWestern Scientific", Neon, argon, steel, field stones, 67" x 38" x 14", 2011
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Eve Andrée Laramée, "Invisible Fire", Installation prototype: Depression glass, UV light, 2011
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William Stone, "A Beaver's Piece", Beaver felled wood and bronze cast(2 Pieces) 24" x 10" x 5.5", 2011 William Stone presents two identical sculptures, one wood and the other a bronze copy. The original wood piece was created by a beaver and found in a beaver damn in upstate New York. The beaver is the artist and Stone sees himself as his assistant, bringing the piece to the foundry; "The art foundry is the alchemist, transforming artists made detritus into gold colored metal."
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Rob Wynne, "Branch", Luster glazed ceramic and blown glass, 20" x 3", 2008
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Alex Rickard, Prismatic Light Cannons, Full spectrum bulbs, E39 bulb sockets, sheet metal, fresnel lenses, polarized lenses, plexiglass containers, corn syrup, DC motors, fog machine, (3) 10" x 4' pieces, 2011
(11 of15)
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Nick Doyle, "Alphabet", Gaffers tape, epoxy resin, synthetic polymer paint, plywood, 2011
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Nick Doyle, "Smoke and Mirrors", Mixed media performance, 2011
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Installation Shot - Main Gallery Room
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Installation Shot - 7Eleven Store
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Dylan Lynch, "Hang Time", Artists pants and shoes, Dimensions variable, 2011

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