50/50 PAUSING FOR REFLEXION – The Sculptures of Chantz Perkins
Orange Torso #19, 20 x 10 x 6 cm, Arizona alabaster by Chantz Perkins
The ABC Treehouse, Amsterdam, Holland, is proud to invite you to the opening of 50/50 PAUSING FOR REFLEXION, a solo exhibition of artist Chantz Perkins on 9 April – 30 May 2010. Festive Opening: April 11, 2010, 4pm.
Born in Los Angeles, and based in Amsterdam, Chantz Perkins specializes in sensual torsos, carved from color-filled alabaster imported from New Mexico. Her sculptures are vibrant with flowing color, and capture that rare moment, when the passionate life has paused, as though for reflection.
Chantz Explains About Her Sculptures
“I think of the history of the stone itself. Formed by centuries of the earth growing, and stretching, and pushing upon itself. Of earthquakes pushing it up through the surface. Of the rain and wind and sun beating upon it.
I imagine the history of those, who have walked on it. Of American Indian ceremonies performed upon it, of proud people feeling the spirit of it. Of the blood and sorrow spilled upon it. Of the stone itself viewing a history of culture after culture, of grandness of the human spirit and viciousness of human arrogance. The stone stands as what it is: a beautiful piece of nature.”
Right: Tattoo, 72 x 19 x 13 cm, New Mexico alabaster, by Chantz Perkins
50/50 PAUSING FOR REFLEXION
is a seminal exhibition for the artist, who recently turned 50. Reflecting on the past year – a time filled with loss and learning – and feeling that she stood at the midpoint of her life, she found herself in a period of reassessment. Listening to her friends and peers, she heard the same themes from them: they spoke of ‘old ways’ that weren’t working for them anymore, wanting to start new careers in mid-life, and ‘go for their dreams’. The desire to slow down, to see more of the world and focus on feeling more, was overriding the drive to pursue careers and earn money. They were sharing their words and stories – trading services, time, and networks – over coffee, at parties and on the internet. And as an artist Chantz Perkins channeled the essence her reflection about life into her sculptures.
Meet Chantz Perkins
Go and meet queer sculptor Chantz Perkins at the opening of her show in Amsterdam April 11, 2010 and enjoy her sculptures of female and male bodies!
50/50 PAUSING FOR REFLEXION
9 April – 30 May 2010
Festive Opening: 11 April 2010, 4PM
At the ABC Treehouse, Voetboogstraat 11,
1012XK Amsterdam, Holland
Photo: Chantz Perkins by Marianne Paraskeva