Exhibition: "1000 Utopias" by Nick Potter

October 11, 2016 - November 4, 2016
Mānoa Campus, Art Building, Commons Gallery Add to Calendar

Nick Potter presents "1000 Utopias," a new series of works based on his visits to architectural sites in Europe. Some of his new works combine contrasting forms of architecture—Modernist and Islamic

Artist Statement:
Attempts to create utopian societies often remain most visible in their architectural designs. Whether Roman, Renaissance, Modernist, Soviet, or Fascist, attempts to construct ideal cities are only realized for brief moments.

It can be argued that the greatest examples of a cultures architecture reflect its ideologies and values. The architecture becomes a form of propaganda.

Idealized, pseudo-utopias are often highly seductive. On the surface we see an appealing, perfected world. But as one contemplates the ideal further, we realize these paradises are false. As one looks more closely, the sinister realities of unchecked late-capitalism, imperialism, fundamentalism and fascism begin to emerge.

Ultimately, I use architecture as a prism to examine symbols of power.

—Nick Potter, July, 2016

Potter is a professor at California State University, Fresno.

Public Event:

Thursday, Oct. 13, 3:00–4:30, Art Building, Room 101, public lecture

Image: "Orientalism," 2016, oil on panel, 48″ x 72″. Courtesy of the artist.


Ticket Information
Gallery hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Sunday 12:00-4:00 p.m. Admssion is free. Donations are appreciated. Parking fees may apply.

Event Sponsor
Art + Art History, Mānoa Campus

More Information
Sharon Tasaka, (808) 956-8364, gallery@hawaii.edu, http://www.hawaii.edu/art/exhibitions+events/exhibitions/?p=2377

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