Courtney Conlon at CSU Fullerton’s Pollack Library

Courtney Conlon at CSU Fullerton’s Pollack Library

Courtney Conlon

Courtney Conlon

The 50+ photographs in Courtney Conlon’s new show at Cal State Fullerton’s Pollack Library are at first glance reminiscent of Ryan McGinley’s embrace of nature as a site of freedom, or Wolfgang Tillman’s intimate documentation of his friends in real-life situations. However, Conlon is not interested in these kinds of comparisons or definitions, this is made clear by Conlon’s stark truisms found spread throughout the opposite side of the gallery from where the majority of the works are hung. Conlon instead would prefer that we set aside our opinions and expectations and “let go.” She does this by showing us personal moments, photographs that serve as individual anecdotes of  moving from the known and familiar to what might be possible to know. Another highlight is how Conlon juxtaposes her work with the art of two five-year olds (pictured in the entrance to the gallery) in an effort to anchor her work to what she holds valuable, and diffuse knowledge and expectations.

Letting Go is scheduled to run till September 30, 2013 in the Atrium Gallery. More information about the exhibit can be found Here.

Full disclosure: I helped curate the show with Kris Beals.

Chris Hoff
Chris Hoff
chrishoffmft@gmail.com

Chris Hoff started the OC Art Blog in 2004 as a way to build community and promote the marginalized but dynamic Orange County art scene. Chris is also responsible for the Hoff Foundation, a private arts foundation formed in 2008 with a commitment to and passion for the arts. The Hoff Foundation plays a significant and unique role in the development of the arts in Southern California by providing quarterly grants to artists and/or art organizations that are based in Orange County and/or Long Beach. As of January 2012 the Hoff Foundation has distributed over 30k in grants. Chris’ day job is with Chris Hoff Counseling (www.drchrishoff.com), where he provides counseling services for individuals, couples and families. Chris can be reached at chrishoffmft(at)gmail.com

1 Comment
  • Gina mancino
    Posted at 05:21h, 02 October

    Love the work depicted here it is beautiful I hope to see more work soon…