ArtSpace Presents Alternate Realities

ArtSpace’s newest exhibit, Alternate Realities: Four Views from the Edge, is on display at the gallery through March 11.

Alternate Realities includes the work of Michael Auger, Jennifer Beinhacker, Todd Gardner and Emily Greene Liddle, and focuses on alternate views of reality. Some of the work is lighthearted, some is challenging, but all explore twists on normal perception of the world around us, such as robot clowns at a carnival, animals with large, bright smiles and more.

According to ArtSpace, the exhibit brings a sense of edginess to the art scene in Herndon that hasn’t been here before. The works are meant to raise tension and bring smiles, at times simultaneously.

“It’s one exhibit you should come to without expectations,” said Robin Carroll of ArtSpace Herndon in a press release.

Auger is a Washington, D.C. artist who injects humor and silliness into his work. His paintings feature a variety of animals ranging from A to Z in thick lines with bold colors. Auger is a freelance illustrator, graphic designer and animator with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Columbus College of Art and Design.

Beinhacker, a self-taught artist, creates work that has no preconceived notions of how art is supposed to be done. She uses her own techniques, working with acrylic, watercolor, collage, pastel, assemblage and more. Her work has been exhibited extensively throughout the region, as well as across the United States.

Gardner holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from the Herron School of Art, and a Masters of Fine Arts from The University of South Carolina. His favorite subjects to paint include clowns and skeletons, and he takes them very seriously. Within his work the clowns serve as the protagonist, while the skeleton serves as the antagonist.

Greene Liddle, originally from just outside Baltimore, attended Catholic University of America for her bachelor’s degrees in fine arts and art education. She works mainly with oil paint on canvas, using a classical academic technique to feature modern pop imagery. Her paintings are playful while still conveying deeper themes.

Alternate Realities: Four Views from the Edge, runs through March 11 in the Post Gallery at ArtSpace, 750 Center St. For gallery hours and more information, visit ArtSpace Herndon online at www.ArtSpaceHerndon.org or call 703-956-6590.