SHOW OPENS WITH RECEPTION SATURDAY

LA GRANDE - The Nightingale Gallery of Eastern Oregon University is pleased to present the photographic work of Virginia artists George Allen and Paul Thulin along with an installation entitled Rapid Air Color Pods by Seattle artist Ashley Thorner.

The exhibition will open Saturday and run through March 2.

An opening reception for the exhibition will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday in the gallery.

The exhibit features work by photographers George Allen and Paul Thulin. These two emerging artists will exhibit an intriguing collection of photographic works.

Allen's quiet and haunting works explore the identity of a particular place. As he writes in his artist statement, "The interaction of people upon a place determines its value and constitutes its ‘identity.'"

Thulin's works explore the relationship between photographic narrative and the ongoing autobiographical record of his life. The mythical narrative created in his work is thematically linked to historical, psychoanalytical and confessional self-examination.

The color and imagery of both artists works presents the viewer with a sort of dream world that is both oddly comforting and inexplicably threatening.

Thorner's installation, meanwhile, will feature her vinyl sculptural works that derive their forms from nature. This dichotomy of natural forms made of highly unnatural materials is a stimulating juxtaposition that invites contemplation.

The brightly colored works also reference pop culture, consumerism and minimalism while at the same time are a tongue-in-cheek contrast of the contemporary world and natural forms.

Allen holds a bachelor of arts degree in photography and history from James Madison University and a master of fine arts degree in design from Virginia Commonwealth University. He teaches photography part-time at Virginia Commonwealth University besides working in the Production Department of H.B.O./Braintree Productions.

Thulin holds a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy and religious studies from Virginia Commonwealth University as well as a master of fine arts degree in photography and film from Virginia Commonwealth University.

He also teaches photography part-time at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Both artists have exhibited nationally and won several prestigious awards for their photography.

Thorner holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and a master of fine arts degree from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).

She lives in Seattle but exhibits her work throughout the United Sates and in 2001 exhibited at the Para/Site Art Space, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. She has lectured and made presentations throughout the western United States and has also lectured at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.