He(ART) and Soul: Art created in the pandemic

Date and Time for this Past Event

• Wed, Nov 24, 2021 - Sun, Nov 28, 2021  11am - 4pm

Location

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Details

He(ART) and Soul: Art created in the pandemic
Amarama Vercnocke
November 24, 2021 – February 27, 2022
Corridor Gallery, Rochester Art Center
Reception & Artist Talk December 11

Exhibition Statement

This solo exhibition explores a variety of individual and collective experiences and emotions within the context of a global pandemic through mixed-media sculptures and textile art. From the standpoint of a parent, the artist recalls conversations with their children about safety and change. As an individual, they used artmaking as a healing way to face the many deaths caused by COVID-19 and to explore their own nonbinary trans voice. Vercnocke believes that the eyes are the windows to the heart and soul, and that art is a way to share one’s testimony of “art heart” with others in life.

Bio

Amarama Vercnocke is a Rochester-based sculptor and public artist who works with fiber and mixed media. Their mission is to bring to public spaces interactive artistic narratives based on their life experiences as a nonbinary transgender person. Vercnocke’s work explores a wide range of relatable themes, such as gender identity, life as a parent, and the pandemic’s impact on our mental health.

Vercnocke earned a BS in biology and an AA in studio art. Over the past 15 years, their work has been exhibited in Iowa and Southeastern Minnesota at venues such as Threshold Arts, the Rochester Art Center, and ART4TRAILS. In 2018 they received a Mayor’s Medal of Artistic and Cultural Arts Award for their volunteer work with LGBTQIA+ youth and in 2016 an established artist grant from SEMAC. Vercnocke has curated pop up installations and has been a director for numerous events. In the coming year they will be leading community art classes and artist talks at Threshold Arts, Rochester Art Center, and Canvas & Chardonnay. Beside their busy life as an artist, they value time with family, community, and friends.

Artist website: www.amaramaart.com

This activity is made possible through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council in cooperation with a private foundation.

The ROOTED program at Rochester Art Center is open to artists living and working in the eleven counties surrounding Rochester and showcases the most innovative and talented artists from the region. For artists who have received artist grants from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC), Rochester Art Center provides gallery space to showcase the art by the grantee. Art Center curatorial staff provides grant application support, studio visits and exhibition space, but do not select the artists, who are chosen by SEMAC jury. ROOTED exemplifies the commitment of RAC to be a central hub for art made in Southeastern Minnesota.

 

Image Credit: 
Leah        Beth        Mike

Tyler       John         Naura

Brenna   Eleanor     Matt        

               Abigail

2020, needle felted wool on cotton backing, 10” diameter each