Even Better Than the Real Thing: The Art of the Uncanny

Group Exhibition

Curated by Jennifer Frias

Wignall Museum, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

August 23 – September 25, 2010

Artists: Jon Bonser, Joe Davidson, Ben Jackel, Kiel Johnson, Nina Katchadourian, Rebecca Morales, Kristen Morgin, Kaz Oshiro, Derek Parker, Andy Ralph, Laura Splan, Stephanie Syjuco

 

Images Courtesy of Wignall Museum Photography by Jan Volz
Special Thanks to Roman Stollenwerk

About This Exhibit

Even Better Than the Real Thing: The Art of the Uncanny observes the edges of perception. It takes into account the notion of "defamiliarization," or the artistic technique of forcing the audience to see common things in an unfamiliar or strange way in order to enhance perception of the familiar by making the everyday uncanny. While the procedure to achieve such realistic and hi-tech qualities may appear mass-produced, the objects in the exhibition were constructed meticulously by applying basic, traditional art and handcraft techniques, such as painting, drawing, sculpting and sewing. The works selected posses characteristics that are visually arresting, seductive, and at times, disturbing. The results undertake an unsettling realism and issue a challenge to art's alleged dedication to the world of appearances.