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BLOW UP II Opening Reception

Date and Time for this Past Event

• Saturday, Nov 4, 2023  1pm - 4pm

Location

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Details

Join us on November 4 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for an opening reception to celebrate the Gregg Museum's last exhibition of 2023, BLOW UP II: Inflatable Contemporary Art. Experience bubbles made by the Raleigh Bubble Man, enjoy snacks from Dusty Donuts, participate in some inflatable fun, and much more! This opening reception is FREE and open to the public.

BLOW UP II explores the imaginative ways that air is used as a medium to create large-scale sculptures. The artists in this exhibition translate everyday materials and imagery into larger-than-life, yet nearly lighter-than-air art that is rich with meaning, resulting in a wide array of works that are figurative, conceptual, or abstract. BLOW UP II was organized by Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA and will be on view in the Gregg's galleries through January 27, 2024.

Artists featured in this exhibition include Nicole Banowetz, Sharon Engelstien, FriendsWithYou, Josh Harker, Susan Lee-Chun, Matt Ritchie, Lizbeth Rossof, Jen Stark, and Max Streicher–many of whom have never worked in the inflatable medium previously. The resulting artworks reflect various themes, including consumerism, pop culture, history, and even mortality. Some convey a surreal sensibility through oversized scale or an uncanny human connection, like Max Streicher’s sculptures that appear to be living, breathing beings. From the outset, the artworks in BLOW UP II appear fun and playful; however, there is a touch of melancholy throughout the show as we are reminded that these objects live their full lifecycle every day. Once the gallery lights dim, the artworks deflate and await their resurrection the following day. There is an odd relationship with these inflatable objects as they too are dependent on air.

Parking Information

There is parking in front of the Gregg Museum, and extra parking will be available at the Pullen Arts Center during the opening reception. Parking along Hillsborough Street is free on weekends. Other nearby free parking locations can be found here.