(left) Amy M. Ho, The Garage, 2016; single-channel video projection, wood, fabric, 84 x 96 x 144 inches; image courtesy of the artist and Chandra Cerrito Contemporary
(right) Bobby Dean Evans, Jr., The Garage; 2016, mixed media, 26.25 x 32.5 inches; image courtesy of the artist and Chandra Cerrito Contemporary
Spaces from Yesterday: Amy M. Ho with Chanthon Bun, Dennis Crookes, and Bobby Dean Evans, Jr. features three projects developed by Amy M. Ho in collaboration with incarcerated artists from San Quentin State Prison. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ho worked for several years as an art teacher at the prison and “learned from the inmates about the human capacity for change, the resilience of the human spirit, and the innate desire for self-expression.” The works included in the exhibition represent specific places that were significant to the inmates’ lives before prison. These places and the events that occurred in them were described to Ho in conversations that took place while she was teaching, and that gave her insight into the ways in which imprisoned artists use their memory of locations and attendant experiences to maintain ties to the outside world.
The Garage comprises an installation by Ho that recreates the garage workspace of Bobbie Dean Evans, Jr.’s childhood home, as well as his painting of the remembered space. Similarly, The Last Summer is an installation by Ho that is accompanied by two paintings by Chanthon Bun. Ho’s work with Dennis Crookes, who has been released from prison and currently lives in Los Angeles, includes his large-scale painting of The Hallway and Ho’s models for the installation. Each of the projects is intended to help preserve the inmates’ memories and serve as a platform to share their stories beyond the prison walls.
Spaces from Yesterday is curated by Professor Tina Yapelli and organized by the SDSU Downtown Gallery. The exhibition and events are sponsored by the School of Art + Design, the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts, and Arts Alive SDSU. Additional support is provided by the San Diego State University Art Council Ambassadors and Chandra Cerrito Contemporary, Oakland, California.
Events:
Tuesday, November 14
5:30 p.m.
Lecture by Amy M. Ho
Student Services West 1500, San Diego State University
Thursday, November 16
5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Exhibition Reception with the Artists
SDSU Downtown Gallery
Friday, November 17
Noon
Gallery Talk by Amy M. Ho
SDSU Downtown Gallery
All events are free and open to the public.
Thursday through Monday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(closed Tuesday and Wednesday)