Logan Circle

I recently “discovered” Transformer Gallery located at 1404 P Street, NW and was fortunate enough to be invited to an opening of their new exhibit. From their Web site:

Nilay Lawson

If You Didn’t Know What This Was,
Would You Know What This Is?

November 1 – December 6, 2008

Continuing our commitment to highlight the work of exceptional DC-based emerging artists, Transformer’s 6th Annual DC Artist Solo Exhibition presents the work of Nilay Lawson in her first solo exhibition.

Questioning whether or not her artistic endeavors only truly exist in the conceptual form, when a project can actually be considered “finished”, and if the objects she creates are merely remainders of larger artistic production – Nilay’s painting, drawings, and mixed media installations featured in If You Didn’t Know What This Was, Would You Know What This Is? document her obsessive consideration of objects and belongings used, consumed, and often discarded. Nilay stages artistic interventions throughout Transformer’s project space to explore the seemingly banal issues of daily life and their broader implications on her art-making processes. About this exhibition, Nilay states, “It compiles many endeavors I have approached to date as an artist. I’m releasing the evidence of my art experiences.”

Artist Talk: November 8, 2008, 2pm

EXHIBITION HOURS: Wednesday – Saturday, 1–7 pm & by appointment

It’s a small space but the space is used very well to exhibit Ms. Lawson’s work. It’s definitely worth checking out this unique exhibit. I particularly liked that her work is “continually influenced by the people she encounters, and the physical components of the city itself.” Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

I can’t believe I never noticed this before… Anyway, I’m not sure if you can tell from the photo, but the plane is half inside the window and half on the outside. Super cool. Anyone familiar with the Transformer gallery?

Their Web site says:

“Transformer is a Washington, DC based 501 (c) 3 non-profit visual arts organization providing a consistent, supportive, and professional platform for emerging artists to explore and present experimental artistic concepts, build audiences for their work, and advance their careers.

Founded in June 2002 by Victoria Reis and Jayme McLellan to serve as a catalyst and advocate for emergent expression in the visual arts, Transformer’s mission is to build a broad network of support for emerging artists, their ideas and work, and educate audiences about emergent expression in contemporary visual art. Connecting and promoting emerging visual artists within regional, national and international contexts, Transformer partners with artists, curators, arts spaces, as well as commercial galleries, museums, and other cultural institutions in the development and presentation of exhibitions and programs.”