April 21 – May
26, 2007
Turbulent State
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PPM, 2007 / computer generated video on DVD
Beginning April 21, d.e.n. contemporary art
will present the inaugural Los Angeles solo exhibition of new video
work by Washington DC-based artist Brandon Morse.
Using computer generated imagery displayed via single as well as multi-channel
video projections, the pieces in “Turbulent State” are
an examination of objects in states of transition. Morse's work falls
between narrative and non-narrative modes in art-making today. On
a purely visual level outside any notions of narrative and meaning,
the videos themselves are captivating by the familiar archetypal shapes,
the interplay of geometry, and by hypnotic forces behind the imagery.
Morse begins his pieces by digitally programming a series of actions,
which sets into play incremental phases of transformation upon structures.
The absence of context for the structures creates an ambiguity of
scale, whether to consider the movements as a microscopic event or
occurring on an immeasurable scale. As objects react to mystifying
forces dictated by an action, what results is a myriad of suggestive
conceptual meanings: the dynamics of human relationships, the growth
and impending erosion of systems and structures, and subtle shifts
in atmospheric phenomena. Tension and mystery arise as the object,
isolated and abstract, comes under the power of a force that runs
through stages of being: birth, growth, turbulence, disintegration,
and absence.
Similar to observing painting or sculpture, the viewer can engage
in Morse's videos at any point in their timeline. What allows the
viewer to experience the pieces at any given phase is the intentionally
vague suggestion of narrative.
The artist views his work as "an examination of interaction,
stripped from context, plot or history. To me, this in some ways parallels
the way I perceive human interaction, as a series of instinctual actions
or reactions stemming from the cellular level...I feel our higher
reasoning functions are often steered by these low-level binary reactions
of like or dislike, trust or distrust."
Morse is an Assistant Professor of Digital Media at the University
of Maryland. He has exhibited his work mainly in the DC and Maryland
area and his recent exhibitions include solo shows at Conner Contemporary
and at American University, and a group show at the Corcoran Gallery
of Art featuring works from its collection.
A reception for the artist will be held on April 21 from 5
to 8 pm. The exhibition will be on view through May 26. Regular
gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 11:00 - 5:30. For
visual material or additional information, please contact the gallery
at (310) 559-3023 or info@dencontemporaryart.com