Politics Abound in Mila Strugatsky’s Exhibition at the MonOrchid

PHOENIX - April 30, 2013 - PRLog -- The monOrchid curator Justin Germain did not intend to make May a month of artistic propaganda, it just fell into place.  He states, “One of my passions is the interplay between art and politics and this month our exhibitions are layered with propaganda and critical dialogues about this relationship.  We had the opportunity to mount these two exhibitions together to call on the public to take notice of very important issues.”  

Germain has been waiting to exhibit something political since he wrote his MA thesis, which focused on the US government’s appropriation of modern art in its anti-communist campaign in the 20th century.  This month his eye turns toward the lack of governmental support for the arts and the documentation of the work some local nonprofits do for the vulnerable demographics in Phoenix.

The monOrchid gallery features the paintings of Soviet born Mila Strugatsky, who escaped the communist regime with her family in 1973 and studied art in Paris and New York.  The artist’s travels and experiences created her cosmopolitan identity and universal perspective about the shared joys and pains of all people.  Strugatsky’s awareness of the injustices experienced around the world is an obsession she continuously explores through her art and set the mood in her paintings.  Her works are intricately detailed and rich in composition and color.  Each painting combines a unique mixture of classical mythology, biblical themes, or memories from a tyrannical regime with contemporary techniques.  The body of work on display at the monOrchid borrows from the shared memory and re-frames the past in contemporary settings that envision the future by critically exploring social issues of tyranny and oppression.

Strugatsy moved to Phoenix in late 2012 and brought her paintings completed on the east coast.  When she first met Mr. Germain she expressed that her previous work was “heavy and cold, much like Russia, or New Jersey.”  She moved to the valley to explore a new environment and how it would affect her mentality, and her painting.

The exhibition will include a multimedia installation, which is a critical statement about Strugatsky’s view of the present state of public art funding and the political focus of the current US government.  “Create not kill” is the artists sentiment for the work which will hopefully call attention to the appropriations of public funds to destructive programs instead of the arts.  The show is accompanied by an installation by Ben Kern that further explores the lack of support and feedback artists receive when submitting project and exhibition proposals.

Simultaneously, the Bokeh Gallery at the monOrchid presents Social Conversations: Stigma! A photo-documentary project organized by Capture 12 founder Stephen Gittins.  Known as the C12 Collective, photographers Gittins, Emily Matyas, Alexandria D. Logue, Mike Williams, Jose Sosa, and Spencer Dutton takes a raw look at those affected by the efforts of local nonprofit organizations.  

Events at the monOrchid in May:
-   First Friday opening : May 3, 2013, 6-10pm
-   Third Friday Artist Reception: May 17, 2013, 6-10pm
o   Including a photography exhibition of works by students from Central High School
-   Saturday, May 18, 2013: The monOrchid Presents The Bellwethers
o   The Bellwethers seek to provide a new and unique live music performance experience. Music and Art combine to create a truly artist inspired performance in a beautifully artistic space. Tickets include live music by Above The Love, The Bellwethers (acoustic and rock sets) and Rose Colored Eyes, Beer and Wine, a copy of The Bellwethers EP "Kismet" and the gallery art exhibition.  Tickets $25 can be purchased online (thebellwethers.net) or at the door
-   Sunday, May 19, 2013: Yoga at the monOrchid – 1030-1145am
o   Yoga in the gallery with instructor Katie Greisiger.  Bring your yoga mats and unwind from the week with amazing yoga surrounded by awesome artwork!
o   Cost: $10/$8 (Student w/current ID) Cash only

Located at 214 E Roosevelt St, in the heart of the arts district in downtown Phoenix, the monOrchid building offers space for events, weddings, photo/video production, art exhibits, and small businesses. The monOrchid is a 14,000 square foot space comprised of two art galleries, office pods, a coffee shop, and two world-class photo cycloramas. The varied connected spaces house multiple creative businesses and offer unique settings for cultural events within the masonry walls and soaring natural wood bow trusses. Originally a warehouse constructed in 1937 by Del Webb, the building is an excellent example of adaptive-reuse in the city’s core. Through years of renovation and invention, the building has morphed into a place for collaboration, creativity and celebration.  

The monOrchid building is open daily.  The galleries are open for public events every First and Third Friday from 6-9pm and by appointment with the curator, Justin Germain.  For more information about art exhibitions, event rental, or office space leasing please visit http://www.monorchid.com, “like” us on facebook, or contact the curator at art@monorchid.com