Esprit Exhibition Catalogue

SCOTT McMILLIN PIERCE MEEHAN JEFF PETERS

SCAPE | southern california art projects + exhibitions 2859 e. coast hwy., corona del mar, ca 92625 info@scapesite.com 949.723.3406 www.scapesite.com

SCOTT McMILLIN PIERCE MEEHAN JEFF PETERS

July 3 through August 8, 2020 SCAPE | southern california art projects + exhibitions Curated by Jeannie Denholm

CURATOR STATEMENT Throughout art history, artists have incorporated flags into their

compositions as an icon and symbol within their subject matter. The most noted artist in the modern era to explore this theme is Jasper Johns. In Johns’ now iconic flag paintings, he chose color and form to express ideas beyond the traditional and conventional. The current exhibition Esprit presents a collection of artworks by Scott McMillin, Pierce Meehan, and Jeff Peters exploring similar perspectives through their own individual, unique mediums.

This exhibit evolved from a series of studio visits by which I discovered the commonality in theme running concurrently through these artists’ work.

The month of July, with Independence Day celebrations and summer spirit, inspired the exhibit’s scheduling. What was unexpected, but became evident by the time of Esprit’s installation, is the larger conversation that is taking place of shifting perceptions around the subject matter; developing from different viewpoints and changing daily. Esprit exemplifies a portion of the current, creative dialogue among artists today who continue to use the flag as icon with its ever-expanding symbolism.

Jeannie Denholm

SCOTT MCMILLIN ARTIST STATEMENT

Deeply symbolic, flags identify allies or foes. They are a means to spread ideologies and propaganda or spirit and pride. They are a way to rally camaraderie or opposition and can be used to tear down or build up. They can show distress and signal a peaceful surrender or strengthen resolve and be a call to arms.

With this ongoing series I explore these themes of identity and ideologies in our current culture. The meaning behind these symbols is ultimately up to the viewer.

E Pluribus Unum car parts and automotive paint on aluminum panel 35.5 x 59 x 3 inches

Reflection car parts and automotive paint on aluminum panel 24.5 x 36.5 x 2.5 inches

Liberty car parts and automotive paint on aluminum panel 24.5 x 40.5 x 2.5 inches

Driver’s Seat #3 car parts and automotive paint 29 x 44 x 3 inches

American Made #4 car parts, steel, chain, automotive paint 64 x 39 inches

Relinquish car parts and automotive paint 25 x 37 inches

PIERCE MEEHAN ARTIST STATEMENT

Indivisible series continues in the vein of my optimism and patriotism utilizing the flag as emblem and symbol; accepted without pre-conceived viewpoints and presented in various colors to serve as a visual love letter to our nation.

Indivisible - Red recycled EPS, fiberglass, pigment, resin 48 x 48 x 3 inches

Indivisible - White recycled EPS, fiberglass, pigment, resin 48 x 48 x 3 inches

Indivisible - Navy recycled EPS, fiberglass, pigment, resin 60 x 60 x 3 inches

JEFF PETERS ARTIST STATEMENT

Relying on history for its value, my current work explores excavation, a literal digging through layers, reflecting collective consciousness, personal proximity to injustice, accountability and a responsibility to the community.

In a personal context these paintings are about nostalgia, layers that have once dried and been painted over, days that have come and gone, seconds turn to minutes, minutes turn to hours and so on.

They are recalled in only a small glimpse, in a new narrative, creating something new entirely.

Look for Me and I’ll Look for You acrylic on canvas on panel 30 x 48 inches

At Play in the Fields of Nostalgia acrylic on canvas on panel 30 x 48 inches

southern california art projects + exhibitions

Published on occasion of “ESPRIT Exhibition” July 3 - August 8, 2020 Curated by Jeannie Denholm Catalogue Design by Kathleen Updyke Brown © 2020 SCAPE | southern california art projects + exhibitions All artwork © individual artists SCAPE | southern california art projects + exhibitions 2859 e. coast hwy., corona del mar, ca 92625 info@scapesite.com 949.723.3406 www.scapesite.com