(un)sterile soil
By examining sites from above and below the surface, artist Ashley M. Freeby analyzes the essence of trauma remaining at locations of police involved shootings. A poetic gesture made by a grieving family created an unexpected back-to-Earth monument in Ferguson. The thin layer of road was removed to extract the tainted grounds and replaced to extinguish the trace of a life lost. This re/construction of the Earth has influenced her artistic practice and has stimulated her to think about police involved shootings through the investigation of the land. (un)sterile soil is an ongoing research-based virtual exhibition. Through a series of manipulated sourced images, schematic drawings, temporary living monuments, aerial views and writing, Freeby seeks to create legacy, shift perspectives, and rewrite the narrative of Black lives taken by the hands of law enforcement.
Why "Horizons"?
The idea of the horizon is based on soil profiles. Below the surface, layers of Earth stack parallel to the soil surface. Each horizon (O, A, E, B, C, R) has physical, chemical and biological characteristics different from the layers above and beneath. The same idea applies here to develop this evolving virtual exhibition. Each horizon explores a different theme based on the work made by artist amf within the last 5 year. Each horizon will highlight writing from a contributing writer, work by amf, and extra content* that seems fitting.
How do you find the extra content?
Extra content can be found under buttons (ex. below) or under green text such as this…
Ashley M. Freeby
Designer, artist and truth-teller, Ashley M. Freeby uses natural materials, poetic language and minimalism to explore site, monuments and data as a way to investigate the essence of memory and legacy. Her recent solo and dual exhibitions include 'Plots & Hems' at Hyde Park Art Center (2019), 'As gesture' at Chicago Artist Coalition (2019), 'Non-constants' at The Annex @ Spudnik Press (2019), and 'Unjustified Patterns' at Kanzlei, Berlin (2018). In addition, she has participated in group exhibitions in DC, Miami, Chicago, Toronto Canada, and Pennsylvania. She is currently a Halcyon Arts Lab Fellow in DC and was previously a HATCH Projects Resident in Chicago. She has also attended Vermont Studio Center and the Institut für Alles Mögliche in Berlin Germany. Freeby was awarded the SPARK grant. Earned a MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a BA from Bucknell University. Freeby currently works for Ox-Bow School of Art & Artists’ Residency as Communications Manager & Head Designer.
Contributing writers, artists, poets, academics, and critics
Kelly Dolan
Gallery 102
Gallery 102 and the Student Exhibitions Committee (SEC) is committed to the exhibiting of contemporary art, including work from GW & Corcoran students, DC-area artists, and nationally recognized artists of all medium. The SEC consists of GW & Corcoran students -- undergraduate and graduate, majors and non-majors, artists and art historians -- who both develop innovative, original, and thought-provoking exhibitions throughout GW's campus and invite a select group of guest curators to present exhibitions each semester. The gallery provides practical curatorial experience to the student body. Students have the opportunity to exhibit work, curate shows, and install exhibitions.
Smith Hall of Art
The Corcoran School of the Arts & Design
801 22nd St NW
Washington DC 20052
202.994.6085
gallery102@gwu.edu
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5
About Halcyon Arts Lab
Halcyon Arts Lab supports emerging artists seeking social impact. At the intersection of art and social change, this residential fellowship program provides support and resources to emerging artists working on projects which address social justice, civic engagement, and community building. Arts Lab Fellows strive to expand their practices and grow as leaders in their respective fields. The six national and international artists and two DC-based artists have spent the next nine months based at Halcyon, while collaborating and engaging with the larger DC arts and advocacy communities.
Got a question? Have a comment?
The artist welcomes engagement from her viewers, so please do not hesitate to reach out. One various pages throughout the site you can find ‘SEND A QUESTION/COMMENT’ buttons (example below). You can use these to send your thoughts to the artist. Please note that some questions might be added if the artist find the same question being asked. If this is the case you will remain anonymous.
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