PREVIEW – OTHERWORLD @ Roq La Rue [Seattle]

The last time that we posted about a group exhibit being held at Seattle‘s infamous Roq La Rue gallery, the “purveyors of fine pop surrealism and contemporary art” were asking a selection of artists to consider what the future might hold for our humble planet if an apocalypse never truly arrives. This time around, the theme is more focused on exploring a completely different world altogether, or, as the press release states, “artists were given the word ‘Otherworld’ and asked to interpret it in whatever way they felt most inspired.” John Brophy and Marthin Wittfooth, two oil painters/Roq La Rue favorites featured in January‘s afforementioned, “I’ll Love You Until The End of The World” show, will both be returning to offer pieces to the new exhibit, which operate as sequels to previous works that they’ve created. Brophy will be showcasing another one of his immaculate, mind-boggling, digital-like renderings, with Wittfooth displaying his trademark, majestic, animal-centric, surrealistic wilderness work. Also featured will be further gallery regulars like Ryan Heshka, with his retro-futuristic comic leanings; Chris Berens, the creator of dreamy washed-out mixed-media works; and Casey Curan, who has contributed yet another one of his brilliantly crafted and mesmerizing kinetic sculptures. Rounding things out will contributions from like Josh Keyes, Sam Wolfe Connelly, Glenn Bar, Dan Quintana, Madeline Von Foerster, Chie Yoshii, Turf One, Derek Nobbs, Tom Bagshaw, Jessica McCourt, and Peter Ferguson, making this both an incredibly varied and impressive lineup.

Since the door’s wide open for this one, what will they pick? “Otherworld“? Hmm… Will someone tackle the Bizarro Justice League? Or, perhaps, they’ll take on the the late-80s/early 90s Sinbad and Liza Bonet vehicle, A Different World, addressing the issues faced by young minority, upper-middle class college students of the time. What about Another World, the NBC daytime soap opera that ran for 35 years, from 1964 – ’99, and can claim Morgan Freeman, Ray Liotta, Ving Rhames, and Eric Roberts as one-time cast members. The answer to all of these questions is, obviously, “No, of course not.” What I can guarantee, however, is that this show will be much more interesting and thought-provoking than anything that I’ve just suggested.

Otherworld opens tomorrow at Roq La Rue‘s new location in the Pioneer Square district of Seattle. I haven’t been down to the new spot, personally, but it looks like a beautiful space, and anyone that’s made it out to anyone one of their previous openings in the past should know that these are events worth attending. There’s always music and free beverages, not to mention that the art looks substantially better up close.

Check out preview images for the exhibit below the following event details…

WHAT:

Roq La Rue Presents – “Otherworld“
Group Show Invitational

WHEN:

Opening:
Thursday, June 6th
6pm-9pm

WHERE:

Roq La Rue Gallery
532 1st Ave S.
Seattle, Wa 98104

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Opening is ALL AGES w/NO COVER
Complimentary beverages provided
Music by DJ Vodka Twist/Sponsored by Renegade Wine Co.
Exhibit will be on view until July 27th.
The gallery is open from 1 – 6pm from Wednesday – Saturday.
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/487061948003544/