Public Lecture: "1000 Utopias" by Nick Potter
October 13, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Mānoa Campus, Art Building, Auditorium (room 132)
Visiting artist Nick Potter, professor at California State University, Fresno, presents a public lecture for his exhibition, "1000 Utopias," that is on view at the Commons Gallery, UHM, through November 4, 2016.
"1000 Utopias" is a new series of works based on Potter's visits to architectural sites in Europe. Some of his new works combine contrasting forms of architecture—Modernist and Islamic.
Artist Statement:
Attempts to create utopian societies often remain most visible in their architectural designs. Whether Roman, Renaissance, Modernist, Soviet, or Fascist, attempts to construct ideal cities are only realized for brief moments.
It can be argued that the greatest examples of a cultures architecture reflect its ideologies and values. The architecture becomes a form of propaganda.
Idealized, pseudo-utopias are often highly seductive. On the surface we see an appealing, perfected world. But as one contemplates the ideal further, we realize these paradises are false. As one looks more closely, the sinister realities of unchecked late-capitalism, imperialism, fundamentalism and fascism begin to emerge.
Ultimately, I use architecture as a prism to examine symbols of power.
Image: "Orientalism," 2016, oil on panel, 48″ x 72″. Courtesy of the artist.
Ticket Information
Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Parking fees may apply.
Event Sponsor
Art + Art History, Mānoa Campus
More Information
Sharon Tasaka, 956-8364, gallery@hawaii.edu, http://www.hawaii.edu/art/exhibitions+events/exhibitions/?p=2377
