PLAYGROUNDS

By Lori Childers

When we were young we created deeply moving experiences from simple forms and ideas – take for example a set of monkey bars during recess. Lori Childers’ playground paintings are painted from “recesses” of the imaginative mind. Vintage playground structures are set in mysterious and unformed painted spaces, constructedfrom memories on the imagination’s edge.

The interaction between the playground equipment (the object or line) and the surrounding magically painted space reminds us of an expanded time on the playground – playing as an astronaut, a cowboy or flying through the air as Tinkerbell.

These moments, possibly joyful and maybe scary, where we tested ourselves with playmates and at times in isolation, are when we form our true selves. Childers’paintings access that imaginative moment, by the side of a field with just some metal bars and our imaginative spirit.

Though filled with rich content, the paintings are also an exploration of painting more formally. Each piece delves into the relationship of the object and the surrounding space on a two-dimensional surface.

The paintings test different compositions and colors in different ways. Often the object and sometimes the entire landscape floats in an unreal manner. This anti-gravity presentation opens up the space for the viewers to bring their own viewpointsto each painting. By removing the natural horizon, the viewer is free to make associations outside of physical reality.

Opening April 4, 2024

More details coming soon…