Collusion: Works of Voice 

Cultural Arts Center 

Exhibition Dates: March 13-April 10 

Artists' Reception: March 13, 6-8pm 

Conversations & Coffee Art Talk: March 19, 12-1pm 

OAL member, Chad Cochran, and Brian Reaume have collaborated on the show along with Eric Rausch--the curator. 

Statement from Chad:

I first saw Brian's work at the CAC, during his solo exhibition, Shelter Series: Coastal Refugees. I was immediately drawn to his vision and concepts tied to providing voices to shelters because my thoughts align. As I capture the decaying and vanishing structures throughout Ohio, I hope to not only provide documentation but also to initiate conversations about the homes and those who inhabited them. There are stories that were told within the walls and they remain captured there. With my photos and assemblage pieces, I hope to provide the viewer a way to connect to those stories which gives them a chance to find a new home.

In my photographs, Brian has found characters. Ones he will converse with, study, understand and express. We work to provide new meaning, hope and voices to these "vaporizing" structures.

Statement from Brian:

Through the use of mixed media we give voices to forgotten, lost Ohio shelters of past. Each work will begin from a current photograph, from this image the works are reinterpreted through painting, sculpture or assemblage.

The purpose of having a two person show as opposed to a solo exhibit is to express the idea of our multi-layered vision. The challenge is to create from another's work and tell a story from a different perspective, using my intention and delving into Chad's vision of history in Ohio. By changing the everyday reality of passing these relics without notice; instead putting purpose to stopping, looking and listening to these forgotten shelters, we can map rural and urban decay for future generations. The personal challenge for me is spending time with each photo and listen to them intently to retrieve their story as opposed to painting/sculpting from the feel of actually being at the location. I have found this to bring an intimacy with each work that is not forced, instead being a seamless transition from print to painting or 2d to 3d once I learn to listen to the subject.

Statement from Eric:

I have come to know Brian and Chad as artists; these two are overcome with a need to document their world. Through their experimentation and documentation they create beautiful works of art that are engaging to a viewer and professionally finished. When I heard that they were working together to collaborate on a show, I was instantly interested to hear more. Through our ensuing conversations we formed a partnership that included me as their curator.

There is a link between their artwork in visual appeal, and together they have created an exhibition experience for the viewer. The show includes 2d and 3d works in various sizes and price points. Each piece is finished to a high standard of professionalism, from framed photographs, wall hanging and pedestal sculptures to a large installation piece in the gallery.

The installation will include large "vapor shelters" which will have the look of porcelain with minimal color and texture. Varying in size, these shelters will be installed in the center of the main gallery so the viewer can walk around each one and may be able to see inside but will not be able to enter. The area around the grouping of shelters will have elements of scattered debris including chairs for the viewer to sit and contemplate. The structures will have the feeling that they are visions of what once stood in what is now debris. Elements of light and sound will be used to illustrate the life that these shelters housed and the stories that are contained within. 

For more information check out the article written by (614) Magazine 

The Cultural Arts Center of Columbus is located at 139 W Main St., Columbus, OH 43215