Force of Nature

The Halsey Institute of the College of Charleston in collaboration with the Van Every/Smith Galleries at Davidson College, are partnering with UNC-Charlotte, Clemson Architecture Center – Charleston Program, Winthrop University Galleries, McColl Center for Visual Art, and the Sumter Gallery of Art for an innovative and experimental exhibition entitled Force of Nature. Part one of this collaborative exhibition is scheduled for the fall of 2006 and includes ten artists from Japan who will be in residence with these institutions for approximately six weeks prior to the opening receptions in mid-October. Each artist will address the theme utilizing locally available natural materials (salt, wood, dirt, plant-life, etc.) or natural elements and processes (wind, fire, water, decay, evaporation, erosion, etc.) in a temporary installation. This exhibition explores the relationship between humans and nature through the minds and hands of these contemporary artists. Collectively, this exhibition poses the question- are we a part of, or apart from nature? This exhibition is intended to provoke a dialogue and discussion with members of each host community while bringing the work of these young artists to the attention of audiences who would have few opportunities to view contemporary Japanese art.