Penumbra October 18, 2008

In the spirit of the season, The Box contemporary art gallery presents the works of artists Robert Brown, Mickey ME, and Matthew Price. This collection of new work will open at the Costa Mesa gallery on Saturday October 18, 2008, from 7:00 PM until 11:00 PM. The exhibition will run through the beginning of December.

“Just this side of darkness is the twilight border between shadow and illumination,” says curator Johnny Sampson. “This is the milieu that the penumbra occupies. It is a threshold, a liminal space between darkness and light. In this exhibition these artists explore this arena--the uncomfortable locale linking the conscious with a deeper, less accessible desire”.

Accomplished ceramic and metal artist Robert Brown exploits art deco, pop, and many other contemporary movements to achieve his signature dark creations. Manipulating metal, ceramic, raku glazes, glass, canvas, stone, and wood, Brown creates alluring pieces that reflect a fascination with the mysterious and sometimes sinister elements of the psyche.

Mickey ME utilizes oils, charcoal, and pastels to achieve his signature “dream factory 1926” feel. Bathed in a sulfuric glow, this series of flowers are both menacing and alluring at the same time. Mickey ME often uses this radioactive chiaroscuro to create monsters from the mundane, making a unique commentary upon socio-economics and the human condition.

Southern California artist Matthew Price employs rich oils in his stylized portraits. Fairytales and dreamscapes merge in a poignant wonderland of eerie and intimate innocence. Price’s whimsical characters often reflect an inner longing, where darkness and purity combine to betray a poetic revelation of the preconscious.

Entertainment includes The Flying Saucers, DJ Jermz of Mannequin, Miss L of Cat House, DJ Deadboy from The Crosby, and a special signing and merch with Dinah Cancer of 45 Grave.

Official Website: http://www.boxboxbox.com