JERRY TRUONG

Artist: Keidy Merida
Curator: Jerry Truong

The DC Arts Center
Nano Gallery
2438 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

August 23 to October 6, 2024

Exhibition Description:

Primary on display in The DC Arts Center’s Nano Gallery showcases the work of Washington D.C.-based photographer Keidy Mérida. Through her macro photography, Keidy uncovers the hidden beauty in everyday life, transforming unnoticed details into striking visual compositions.

By focusing on the intricate details of the mundane, Keidy's work reveals how mindful observation can lead to a greater appreciation and understanding of the world. "Primary" invites visitors to see beyond the ordinary and appreciate the extraordinary hidden in plain sight, highlighting Keidy Mérida's unique ability to elevate the every day into the realm of the sublime.

Curator’s Statement:

Since 2021, I have had the fortunate opportunity to collaborate with Keidy Mérida and witness the evolution of her photography. Her work is deeply influenced by her spirituality and mindfulness, seamlessly integrated into her artistic practice, resulting in images that are both personal and evocative.

Growing up in Washington, D.C., and Gaithersburg, Maryland, within an immigrant community, has shaped Keidy's artistic vision. She gravitates toward subjects often ignored by mainstream society, challenging conventional notions of artistic worth. Her meticulous approach captures the smallest details—cracks, chips, scratches, and debris—elevating them from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Primary is divided into three sections, each representing a primary color. These colors symbolize the fundamental elements of art and the primal aspects of contemporary human experience and our environments. Keidy emphasizes local exploration and discovery, revealing the extraordinary within the ordinary and often highlighting the beauty that goes unnoticed in our immediate surroundings.

Keidy's work invites viewers to slow down and truly engage with the world around them. She believes that every moment is an opportunity for growth and discovery. By focusing on often-overlooked details, Keidy challenges us to appreciate the hidden wonders that surround us and to find moments of pleasure in the unexpected.

Through the exquisite prints presented in Primary, Keidy Mérida not only showcases her exceptional skill in macro photography but also offers a powerful reminder of the profound impact of mindful observation. This exhibition invites us to see the world anew and to find joy in the smallest details.

Artist: Megan Maher
Curator: Jerry Truong

The DC Arts Center
Nano Gallery
2438 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

February 16 to April 21, 2024

Exhibition Description:

Megan Maher is an artist whose solo exhibition in The DC Arts Center's Nano Gallery offers an exploration of the squiggle, a universal motif, on over 60 panels. Maher’s Mark dives into humanity's innate urge for mark-making, intertwining the universal with the personal, inviting viewers to find intricate details and deep connections in simple strokes. Drawing from her intuition and diverse experiences, Maher crafts a captivating dialogue between artist and observer. Discover, immerse, and connect with every line.

Curator’s Statement:

The artwork in Maher's Mark presents a perspective wherein ordinary lines take on a heightened significance. Maher's squiggles, rather than being mere artistic doodles, hint at a broader human tendency to create marks, referencing both ancient cave art and everyday sketches. The line, traditionally basic in art, undergoes a transformation in Maher's hands.

Within these panels, the squiggles adapt and overlap in varied patterns. Maher seems to assert the importance of the individual in the creation process. Each mark, with its specific color and intensity, seems to aim for a connection with the viewer, suggesting a deeper, underlying purpose.

Artist: Josh Tetzlaff
Curator: Jerry Truong

The DC Arts Center
Main Gallery
2438 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

May 26 to June 25, 2023

Exhibition Description

In the exhibition, Gaze Upon Gays, artist Josh Tetzlaff presents a collection of homoerotic and optical art that explores his personal journey of self-discovery and the impact of cultural ideals of masculinity on his sexuality. Tetzlaff utilizes painting, printmaking, and installation to comment on the changing perceptions of male beauty presented by society and encourages viewers to question their own insecurities and expectations surrounding gender norms. By subverting traditional notions of masculinity and manipulating the viewer's gaze, Tetzlaff invites contemplation of the diversity and beauty of the male form. Ultimately, the exhibition creates a space of belonging where unique perspectives can be celebrated.

Curator’s Statement

Josh Tetzlaff's art is a provocative and powerful expression of the artist's journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment. As a gay man, Tetzlaff uses his art to explore his emotions and desires, creating striking and captivating works that combine homoerotic themes with optical illusions. Through his works, he melds his creativity with his sexuality, pushing the boundaries of what is accepted as "normal" in our society.

Tetzleff's art is not just about aesthetics; it is a political statement and a social commentary on growing up in this era where superheroes are role models for future adults. By using hyper-masculine and muscular male forms in his work, Tetzlaff subverts the heteronormative gaze. His work is a celebration of masculinity, as well as an exploration of its complexities and contradictions.

At the heart of Tetzlaff's work is a desire to create a safe and inclusive space where people can be free to be themselves. His art invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and identities, encouraging them to question their assumptions and prejudices. Tetzlaff's exhibition is a testament to the power of art to inspire change and create connections, and it offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the human condition.

Artist: Kelly Posey
Curator: Jerry Truong

The DC Arts Center
Nano Gallery
2438 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

April 21 to June 25, 2023

Exhibition Description

Kelly Posey is an artist whose solo exhibition in The DC Arts Center's Nano Gallery offers an engaging and immersive encounter with her interconnected paintings. Posey's works explore the capricious and ever-changing nature of the environment through vivid colors, bold brushstrokes, and asymmetrical compositions that challenge the traditional norms and expectations of painting. By employing a smaller canvas, Posey creates a more intimate and accessible setting for viewers, inviting them to look beyond their own experiences and perceive the universe's limitless expanse. Ultimately, Microdose presents a unique experience that should not be overlooked, demonstrating that impact and scale may be inversely related.

Curator’s Statement

Kelly Posey’s exhibition, Microdose, comprises a collection of abstract paintings characterized by vibrant colors and dynamic movement, which evoke a sense of energy in the viewer. Posey references organic forms in her paintings to create irregular compositions that reflect the natural world's beauty. This combination of organic references and striking hues produces a psychedelic experience that evokes emotions and inspires contemplation.

Displayed on the walls of the Nano Gallery, each painting draws strength from the others, creating an installation that considers the wall an integral part of the artwork. The multi-layered amalgamation of colors and forms in each painting conveys the unpredictable and chaotic nature of the world. Posey's creative arrangement of the work enhances the impact of each piece, creating a sense of harmony and connection.

Posey challenges viewers to expand their perception and understanding through her artwork. By encouraging attentiveness and openness, viewers can discover new patterns and connections that deepen their appreciation of the world. This perspective inspires the exploration of new ideas and possibilities. Ultimately, Posey's works are a testament to the power of art to spark imagination, foster a sense of unity and wonder, and connect us to something greater.

Reviews

The Washington Post

Artist: Ainsley Burrows
Curator: Jerry Truong

The DC Arts Center
Main Gallery
2438 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

March 17 to April 16, 2023

Exhibition Description

Displacement is an exhibition showcasing the impressive large-scale paintings by Ainsley Burrows, whose artistic vision draws inspiration from his dual heritage rooted in Kingston, Jamaica, and Brooklyn, NY. Burrows' recent body of work focuses on the profound experiences of immigration, aiming to challenge prevailing narratives that perpetuate the marginalization and exclusion faced by those who embark on this transformative journey.

Curator’s Statement

Displacement serves as a showcase of Ainsley Burrows' expansive and compelling paintings, where his artistic journey is profoundly shaped by his upbringing in both Kingston, Jamaica, and Brooklyn, NY. Within Burrows' artistic repertoire, he adeptly employs two distinct methodologies: NeoChaos and Raktism, each carrying distinct visual elements and intellectual underpinnings.

NeoChaos, characterized by its bold and vibrant expressions, explores history's enduring impact and the ongoing struggle to bring forth the legacies of the past into the present. Meanwhile, Raktism manifests through sharp, delineating lines and repetitive imagery, mirroring the intricate flow of time. These self-crafted artistic styles serve as a foundation for Burrows' distinctive viewpoint on the profound cultural and historical forces indelibly shaping his identity.

As an immigrant himself, Burrows' recent artistic endeavors delve into the complex realm of emotions that arise from alienation and the persistent quest for a sense of belonging. His creations courageously challenge the prevailing narratives of marginalization and exclusion faced by immigrants, advocating fervently for an inclusive and compassionate society. With art as his medium, Burrows wholeheartedly extends an invitation to the audience, urging them to intimately engage with the emotional landscape of migration, authentically expressing the inherent disorientation, hope, and frustration accompanying the experience of displacement.

Burrows' formal artistic approach deftly incorporates diverse techniques, all orchestrated to convey the multifaceted challenges immigrants encounter. Distorted forms and fragmented compositions poignantly articulate the struggles of forging an identity within the context of migration. Brilliant and vibrant colors joyously celebrate the richness and vibrancy of immigrant cultures while simultaneously conveying the potent emotions connected to trauma. Skillful use of symbolism and abstraction further magnifies the intricate emotional and cultural tapestry the immigrant experience embodies.

This exhibition offers a unique opportunity for viewers to immerse themselves in the captivating world of Burrows' art, replete with its vivid colors, textured canvases, evocative figures, and thought-provoking concepts. His profound exploration of identity, culture, and history urges for a more nuanced understanding of the emotional and social aspects surrounding migration, earnestly advocating for greater empathy and recognition of the profound experiences shared by immigrants.

Reviews

The Washington Post

Artist: E.L. Briscoe
Curator: Jerry Truong

The DC Arts Center
Main Gallery
2438 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

February 10 to March 12, 2023

Exhibition Description

E.L. Briscoe's exhibition at The DC Arts Center delves into the intricate interplay between popular culture and its profound impact on society's collective worldview. Employing evocative comic book imagery and drawing inspiration from prominent African-American figures, the artist delves deep into the cognitive processes and ingrained assumptions of the audience. With a discerning eye, Briscoe critically reevaluates the media he absorbed during his formative years, questioning its profound influence on his own perceptions. In a compelling manner, the exhibition extends an earnest invitation to the viewer to actively participate in this profound dialogue and introspectively examine their relationship with media and its role in shaping their understanding of the world.

Curator’s Statement

E.L. Briscoe is an artist and art educator who adeptly employs captivating imagery from popular culture, notably drawing inspiration from comic books, as a means to delve into the intricate thought processes and ingrained assumptions of his audience. Through his artistry, Briscoe seeks to deftly articulate his profound reflections on society and its multifaceted nuances. His distinctive artistic lens serves as a powerful conduit for illuminating critical issues and circumstances within the societal framework, as he fervently believes in art's potent ability to communicate and effect change.

At The DC Arts Center, the exhibition Thought Bubbles unveils an engaging compilation of Briscoe's artworks, wherein he masterfully weaves together personal experiences from his formative years and the rich perspectives garnered through years of astute observation and introspection. The focal point of Briscoe's exploration lies in unraveling the complex interplay between societal phenomena and the pervasive entertainment media that significantly shapes our collective understanding of the world.

Diligently undertaking a reevaluation of the media that permeated his childhood, Briscoe methodically probes the ways in which these influences have left indelible imprints on his perceptions. His artistic endeavor is an ongoing and contemplative investigation, instigating thought-provoking inquiries while offering a composed and contemplative vantage point. Each artwork serves as an evocative continuation of this profound exploration, extending a sincere invitation to the viewer to actively engage in this introspective dialogue and to scrutinize their own connection with the media and the intricate tapestry of the world it constructs.

Reviews

The Washington Post

Artist: Stephanie Garon
Curator: Jerry Truong

The DC Arts Center
Main Gallery
2438 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

February 21 to March 22, 2020
Video Walkthrough with the Artist

Exhibition Description:

Stephanie Garon’s current body of work, presented in “(De)composition,” includes drawings, sculptures, and a hanging installation. Each piece contains industrial elements, such as steel, combined with natural materials she personally collected. While deceptively formal, the resulting artworks are ecologically motivated interventions. The physical process of decomposition becomes evident as the pieces change over time, emphasizing the fragility of nature.

Garon’s artwork has been exhibited internationally in London, Columbia, and South Korea, as well as across the United States. Her writing, a critical aspect of her artistic process, has been published in international literary journals. In this exhibition, Garon continues her exploration of how the environment is vulnerable to humanity, as well as her own evolving role as an artist, poet, and activist.

Curator’s Statement:

Stephanie Garon's exhibition, (De)composition, is a captivating exploration of the interplay between humanity and the environment. Through her drawings, sculptures, and installations, Garon delves into the ways our actions and decisions impact nature.

At the heart of her artistic practice is collecting leaves, branches, and other vegetation from her surroundings. The exhibition's title signifies her fascination with the natural processes of growth, death, and eventual decay that all living beings undergo. By skillfully juxtaposing these found organic elements with industrial materials and architectural design, Garon creates a rich tapestry of associations, offering abstract expressions of a specific time, place, and way of life. The resulting artwork visually represents the delicate balance between nature and humanity—a thought-provoking visualization of an uneasy truce.

"(De)composition" also reflects Garon's quest to break free from formal boundaries and extend beyond the traditional picture frame. Her series of drawings, "Untitled I, II, III," showcased prominently in the exhibition, are dynamic abstractions that engage the viewer on multiple levels. Garon creates captivating visual interactions and cohesion across her body of work through the expressive use of charcoal and beet juice, geometric interplay, and the physical depth achieved with steel frames extending across the picture plane.

Using steel as a drawing material in space, Garon harmoniously combines controlled, geometric lines with organic shapes. Pieces like "Hush" and "Discourse" ground themselves on the floor, while others, like "Framed," seem to float in the air, as if the gallery transforms into an infinite canvas of creative possibilities. Her work, though static, subtly hints at motion and change, as leaves brown, plants wilt, and bark flakes off during the course of her exhibitions.

(De)composition invites the viewer into a contemplative space, where they engage in a meaningful dialogue with the artist about the intricate relationship between human-made structures and our interactions with the natural world. Through Stephanie Garon's art, we ponder our role as individuals, and as a collective, in shaping the environment and how we can find harmony with the world around us.

Reviews

The Washington Post

Artists: Ann Le, Viet Le, Hong-An Truong, and Lien Truong
Curator: Jerry Truong

King Street Gallery
Montgomery College
930 King Street
Silver Spring, MD, 20910

September 17 - October 19, 2012

Exhibition Description

Alter/Altar brings together a group of artists who meditate on the past and whose selected works use the idea of the ancestral altar as a point of departure. In many cultures, the memory of deceased ancestors is incorporated into daily life. Viewed as a constant presence, the past is seen as dynamic and changeable.

These artists are connected by their desire to alter familial artifacts, either by removing, inserting, or distorting elements of photographs through the layering of disparate images, or by creating new mementos and forms of reverence as an intervention into linear historical narratives. Their different artistic approaches offer contrast and insight into how contemporary American society thinks about yesteryear. Together, the artists reconsider our shared histories and present predicaments.

Curator’s Statement

The exhibition Alter/Altar presents a collection of diverse artworks that explore themes of memory and history. Each piece offers a blend of stories from the past and present, encouraging contemplation across generations.

The artists' techniques and narratives challenge viewers to reflect on their connections to the past, considering the significance of ancestry in shaping identities today. The ancestral altar becomes a representation of tradition and innovation, bridging temporal gaps and promoting a sense of continuity. The exhibition also delves into different forms of heritage and the enduring power of artistic expression to reshape our current perspectives.

Within the collection of works, Ann Le's "Embody" series (2012) features wallpaper portraits portraying events from the Vietnam War based on her mother's recollections. "Thinking of You" (2012) utilizes old family snapshots, blending them to reflect how memories are collected and merged.

Hong-An Truong's "Resistance Can Be Quiet" (2011) showcases photographs taken inside Vietnamese Catholic churches and convents during French colonialism, prompting contemplation about Western perceptions of colonialism and "native" versus "outside" perspectives. "The Past is a Distant Colony" (2006) utilizes found footage from French Indochina to explore questions about representation, history, and memory.

Lien Truong's "Portrait of Icons" (2008) draws on the symbolic connection between light and icons in historical religious Western art, using unbleached flour as a drawing medium to reference biblical associations with bread and the body. "Family Trees" (2006) and "Family Sittings" use colors to investigate the body and the act of creation in contemporary families.

Viet Le's life-sized drawings and paintings on used bed sheets explore the afterlife of trauma, the politics of representation, and the lingering traces of past and present wars, rooted in old family photographs and archival images.

Alter/Altar invites viewers to revisit shared histories and explore present challenges through various artistic perspectives. Each artwork holds layers of meaning, providing opportunities for deeper introspection and appreciation of the complexities of the human experience.