PREVIEW: SPECTRUM 4 Group Exhibition @ Arch Enemy Arts [Philadelphia]

Ben Howard
“Statement of Understanding”
24″ x 24″

The idea of group exhibitions tends to intrigue me; especially when they’re themed shows. I’m always curious how a gallery is aiming to bring a group of different artists together for a singular showcase of works. Sometimes, there’s a strong theme that unites them all, while other times it’s simply by a designated medium or simply a predetermined scale for each piece. While I do enjoy witnessing various interpretations on a theme, a decent portion of the time they can feel like bait just thrown together as a means of having something to promote, while the concept is relatively weak. There’s a delicate balance between providing an inspirational jump-off point for artists to build from and restricting their own personal freedom as a creative. If the theme is uninspired or simply not in the wheelhouse of interest of the artist, it’s easy to wind up with something less compelling than they’d come up with on their own without one. The other line to tread deals with balancing variety and cohesion in an exhibition like that. Sometimes having a very specific restriction in place can be a winning move and other times, the “themes” are so convoluted or vague that they seem like simply presenting the exhibition as a showcase of artists would have been a better move than trying to pull some faux idea out of thin air that never really lands. With their annual Spectrum exhibitions, Philadelphia‘s Arch Enemy Arts clearly understands and regulates that balance quite admirably.

Beginning in 2020, Arch Enemy Arts began bringing artists together to create works in largely monochromatic palettes. I love this idea, because it doesn’t limit what the contributors choose to pursue in any overly intrusive way, but rather encourages them to utilize their skill sets and knowledge of color theory to explore them in greater dimensions. Now, with its 4th installment on the way, the results are clear: a bright, vivid, and engaging exhibition where the individual pieces really play off and enhance one another. Meanwhile, it continues to offer one of the greatest benefits of group exhibitions, which is to introduce viewers to names they might not recognize alongside more established ones that they do. For the up-and-comers, it’s an effective platform to get yourself noticed and stand out, but the nature of Spectrum also promotes and fosters the concept of being part of a community that’s greater than oneself.

The following breakdown of the history and concept behind Spectrum comes from the gallery:

“Back in 2020, amidst a prolonged quarantine and escalating anxieties, a new and exciting idea for a group show theme emerged. Seeking to counter the overwhelming melancholy, we envisioned a collection of works that would radiate vibrancy and joy. Participating artists were tasked with creating near-monochromatic pieces, each inspired by a single color from the ROYGBIV spectrum. As the finished works arrived, we skillfully and carefully arranged them on the wall, orchestrating a breathtaking crescendo of colors that spanned the full spectrum. While each piece is a standout in its own right, together they unite in a harmonious symphony and a vibrant celebration of color and creativity.“

Spectrum 4 opens on September 1st, and while the exhibition will remain on view through the month, it’s definitely worth stopping in for opening night, if you happen to be in the area. As a bonus, there will actually be a total of at least 5 different art shows on display at the gallery for First Friday.

Here is a list of folks providing pieces for this event…

LIST OF CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS
3rd Version, Adam Augustyn, Alex Garant, Alex Sugar, Alexis Trice, Allison Reimold, Andrea Guzzetta, Ashley Marie, Beatriz Bradaschii, Ben Howard, Brian Hertzog, Bruce Parker, Calamity Cole, Danielle Schlunegger, Doug Boehm, Erich J. Moffitt, Edge Ebenebe, Hallie Packard, Horrible Adorables, Jane Windsor, Jessica Dalva, Jessica Hess, Kate O’Hara, kEda Gomes, Kurt Lluch, Manuel Zamudio, Mary Esther, Munoz, Maryann Held, Michael Koehler, Miriam Frank, Nathan Durfee, Nikoo Bafti, Richard Ahnert, Shannon Taylor, Shailinn Messer, Shawn E. Russell, Veronica Jaeger, Xhanthi, and Wiley Wallace

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