UNspoken

The absence of the expected is what will speak to you...

Flagstaff Cultural Partners is proud to present UNspoken, an exhibition showcasing the vision of three unique Arizona artists. Young artists with a fresh perspective - Daniel Arnold, Julie Comnick, and Karen McClanahan - present works centered on the themes of time, absence, and perspective. They represent three clearly diverse styles of contemporary work ranging from the meticulous textural and color-obsessed work of McClanahan, to the spirited expressive work of Arnold and the poignant narrative representations of Comnick. Keep reading for more about each artist.

Opening Reception
UNspoken
Friday, January 18, 2008
6:00 - 8:00 P.M.

At this opening celebration, our featured guests will be the three talented artists of this new show: Daniel Arnold, Julie Comnick, and Karen McClanahan. We'll have live music, tasty things to nibble on, and good drink. Best of all, it will be the first chance to see this outstanding new show.

D-Squared in Concert
Friday, January 18, 2008
8:00 P.M.

Following the opening reception, the Center plays host to D-Squared, with special guests, the Springfed Band. The talented duo weaves the magic of harp, guitar and other instruments to create a new sound that will leave you breathless. The concert is the opening show of the new concert series, Traditional Ties, presented by FCP and Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music.

Exhibition remains open during regular Center hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

About the UNspoken Artists

FCP Gallery Director, Jillian Asplund, comments on the works of the UNspoken artists:

Daniel Arnold - Arnold’s paintings are raw and unfiltered. As a viewer, I feel like I’ve come upon some secret corner of his subconscious mind. Shapes float in abstract space and his use of color is experimental, but plays well into the lucid quality of his work. His intentions feel mixed; the energy is uneasy, but in a fantastic and alluring way. You will find yourself drawn in, inventing the next scene in the dream that has transpired in front of you.

Karen McClanahan - McClanahan’s paintings are entrancing. At first glimpse, they are simple, composed of few colors with modern line and appeal. But get closer, texturally, and you'll find interest in the delicate and calculated surface treatment. Take a step back again and you will see how her work plays off of itself. Where does one work end and the next begin? Frequently paired in what she lightheartedly refers to as mismatched diptychs, you will see how her greatest reference is her own body of work. The importance your own perspective will play into the viewing of her work.

Julie Comnick - The most striking element of Comnick’s work is that the biggest statement she makes is not with what has been provided for the viewer, but rather what she deprives them of. As a constant theme running in her recent bodies of work, Comnick proves that judgments will be made on the unknown and the viewer will fill in the blanks with what is expected to be seen. Thematically, she explores the “stigma behind the extraordinary” and questions the role of the exotic in Western society.