FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SHANE HUFFMAN: The first time you and I split the atom
April 27 – June 2, 2007
Opening Reception: Friday, April 27 5:00 – 8:00 pm

Skestos Gabriele Gallery is pleased to present The first time you and I split the atom, the second solo exhibition with Chicago-based artist, Shane Huffman, at the gallery. Continuing his investigation of the fundamentals of photography - light, space-time, and motion - Huffman combines scientific theories with personal experiences, creating a stripped down visual language that speaks of how we as individuals have a reflexive relationship with our universe.

Using photographic materials and experimental processes, Huffman is interested in “production” rather than “re-production.” Therefore the artist creates something completely new in the world as opposed to simply capturing images that already exist. The basic and fundamental way a photograph is made with time, exposure, and accumulation, is intrinsically linked to how Huffman interprets events in his daily life - for an experience also incorporates time, place, motion, and duration. For this reason, much of the work is performative and marks the event that is taking place. In creating Mantras for the Moon, Huffman held twelve pieces of photographic paper in front of his face, while chanting personal mantras out loud. From the heat and moisture of his breath, a chemical reaction took place and left behind a mark that embodies an eternal whisper to the cosmos. The twelve different prints represent each month of the year and the twelve signs of the zodiac.

Physically and psychologically the moon and water are reoccurring themes, both as subject matter and process. For Huffman, these elements are integral parts of his personal being, particularly as a lifetime swimmer. The artist exudes great importance on his time in the water and the act of swimming, for the flip-turn is a repeated motion that unites beginning and end, completion and starting anew - it is an act of rejuvenation.

Retrospectively, all the work equates to Light + Heat + Energy + Information + Mass + Momentum + Action. In essence, Huffman hopes to install a new visual language that can be understood as “space-time” or “lightmotionspace,” (a term credited to Jonathan Miller and his research on the subject). The goal of this work is to experiment, investigate and share how these core phenomena, the foundation of photography, can reveal to us and help explain our existence in the world.

For more information, please contact the gallery at 312.243.1112 or info@skestosgabriele.com.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 11-6 pm, Saturday 12-5 pm