The Peace Chamber: The Crosses of Lafayette Re-counted

The Peace Chamber
The Crosses of Lafayette Re-counted

Exhibit Dates: January 12 - 28, 2017
Artist’s Reception: Thursday, January 12, 6-9PM, with music and poetry

The exhibit will be open to the public Wednesday-Saturday,
12:00PM-6:00PM and by appointment Jan 12 through 28, 2017. Check the
website for additional hours and events.

The Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery is proud to present The Peace Chamber—The Crosses of Lafayette Re-counted, a conceptual art installation that will fill the gallery for the month of January. Envisioned and created by architect and artist Lara Dutto, the work re-visits the meaning and message behind The Crosses of Lafayette. The installation is a multi-layered and immersive experience created with cut paper, reflective surfaces, live video and computer altered photography. Upon entering, the viewer is immediately part of the story. Peace, indeed, begins by looking in the mirror. This exhibition and all events will be offered free of charge with the goal of promoting Peace, community dialogue and individual reflection through Art. Installation will open to the public on January 12th and run through the 28th. To arrange a viewing for your group of 6 or more please call Jennifer Perlmutter 925-284-1485.

The Crosses of Lafayette, a grassroots protest and living memorial begun in 2003 has had its well-publicized controversies but regardless of one’s political or religious affiliation, or how you may feel about its presence in Lafayette, the hill has evolved into a true Peace Memorial, internationally recognized yet deeply rooted here in the golden grasses and rolling hills of the East Bay. The grassroots founders, resilient yet getting on in years, continue to climb the hill monthly to battle the weeds, and to repair rotten and fallen crosses. The sign is periodically updated by a single volunteer with a shocking number representing the body count from the Iraq and Afghan wars (still underway). The hillside has become a non-political, and multi-faith place of healing, where gold star moms pay tribute to lost children, a place for annual community vigils, poetry readings and drum circles. Travelers on Bart and Highway 24 are confronted daily with the conspicuous reminder of the tragic costs of war. The hill has been inspiration to countless photographers, fine artists and filmmakers; this work continues that tradition.

Lara Dutto is principal of Laraarchitecture, a multi-disciplined creative practice based in the San Francisco East Bay. Her work is comprised of community placemaking projects, residential and commercial architecture and a practice of fine art that explores materials, space and meaning.

Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery, 3620 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549. Contact Jennifer Perlmutter at (925) 284-1485 or jp@jenniferperlmuttergallery.com