Seattle‘s Roq La Rue is returning this Thursday with another impressive group exhibit that features some of my favorite contemporary artists working today. Among the work being showcased at the gallery is the brilliant, otherworldly painting of Jeremy Geddes and the bold, engaging sculptural woodwork of AJ Fosik. Often when a theme is chosen for a group show, it can feel arbitrary and as if the real intention might be to remain ambiguous so as to simply mask the reality that there really is no theme at all. At other times, the theme can be far too literal and restrictive. This exhibit — curated by photographer, Robbie Lowery — is set apart by it’s focus on raising money for cancer research, so the theme isn’t as important, and it’s title, “Unpredictable Gravity” seems so abstract that the likelihood for those contributing to gloss over any specific concept and offering up something much more disconnected and/or on hand from a previous exhibit, was high. Surprisingly enough, however, each piece really does seem to embody the essence of that title of Unpredictable Gravity, harnessing genuine emotion, whether it’s been generated and inspired by the theme itself, or simply for the cause which this work is is hoping to benefit.

You can view a selection of these pieces below, but first check out some additional backstory and details.

Gallery Statement:

This show was curated by our friend and opening photographer, Robbie Lowery, in response to his wife’s diagnosis and treatment of cancer. (Please see his statement below.) The help and support they received prompted Lowery to try to raise some money to help others affected by this horrific disease. As a result, a total of half the profits of all sales (taken from half the artist profit AND half Roq La Rue’s profit) will be donated to three cancer research charities, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We are all immensely grateful to the artists who agreed to participate.

Statement by the Curator:

“The idea for Unpredictable Gravity was sparked while my wife was undergoing chemotherapy to dissolve a massive tumor growing in her chest. As we began to share the news to our artist friends, it was an eye opener to learn that most had their own stories to share, whether it was family or friends, and in a few instances, the artist themselves that had undergone their own treatments for cancer. Since so many artists have been affected by cancer in one way or another, it only made sense to have a group show that gave back to the charities and organizations that helped them and their families through their trying times.

The title of the show, Unpredictable Gravity, was derived from the roller coaster of emotion that a family goes through after receiving a cancer diagnosis. One minute you’re on top of the world and then it all comes crashing down. There are many ups and downs in the weeks, months, and years that follow, most of which are unpredictable. The path those tracks take aren’t always clear, but hopefully there are more ups as life careens forth.

Kirsten Anderson and the Roq la Rue Gallery have been gracious in their support for the show, lending the space for a month and donating part proceeds to multiple charities. The artists will be donating to their own chosen organizations, and since some of the artists are from outside the United States, it will truly be a world-wide charity event.

The range of contributing artists is wide, with many diverse styles and mediums. The talent pool is exceptional, which will make Unpredictable Gravity the best way to start the year.”
– Robbie Lowery

ARTIST LIST:

Jeremy Geddes, Ashley Wood, Brian Despain, John Brophy, Sail, Camilla D’Errico, Phil Hale, Ross Richmond, Christopher Thompson, Sam Wolfe Connelly, Thomas Doyle, Esao Andrews, Ben Templesmith, Ego, Menton Mathews III, Tyler Stout, Todd Karam, Peter Ferguson, Mike Mitchell, Martin Wittfooth, AJ Fosik, Brett Amory, Jacub Gagnon, Matthew Dunn, Ryan Heshka, Joao Ruas, Josh Keyes, Syd Bee, ThreeA, Derek Nobbs

Check out preview images for the exhibit below the following event details…

WHAT:

Roq La Rue Presents
“Unpredictable Gravity“ – Group Show
Curated by Robbie Lowery

WHEN:

Opening:
Thursday, January 9th, 2014
6pm-9pm

WHERE:

Roq La Rue Gallery
532 1st Ave S.
Seattle, Wa 98104

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Opening is ALL AGES w/NO COVER
Complimentary beverages provided
Special treats on hand from Violette’s Sweet Shop
Exhibit will be on view until March 1st, 2014.
The gallery is open from 1 – 6pm from Wednesday – Saturday.
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/230789713761611/

[click select images to enlarge]