The Gallery began as an exploration of how visual art and performance art interact. Being friends throughout all four years of college, Syd and Julien watched and supported each other’s art forms, constantly excited about whatever project the other was working on. Last year one of Syd’s paintings served as the centerpiece to Julien’s production of Screaming In Silence. Through this process they both became more interested in how these two art forms could interact closely together, inspiring one another to create in new ways. Thus The Gallery was born. The Gallery was Julien’s senior capstone project that cumulated in 3 performances within Millikin Universities main gallery. This was also the location for Syd Wilson’s senior show case of all their art so it worked perfectly that they occurred on the same weekend. After making it’s debut at Millikin University Julien and Syd got the opportunity to do 10 performances within an artsitic residecny with Verge Theatre. A theatre space in Bozeman Montana that acts as both a performance space and an art gallery. It was perfect for the show. With much more equipment and time Julien and Syd were able to put together the next version of The Gallery with 10 magical performances.
The Gallery follows the absurdist journey of a being experiencing self-awakening and the rediscovery of life. It takes a deep dive into how and why we get stuck and the power of art in order to open us back up to the world around us. It explores the relationship between the artists, art, and the audience as well as how all of these pieces are essential both in life and in art.
“I watched so many of my peers overcome by the stress of life around them they lost the beauty in it. I spent the last four years finding it. Finding the beauty in life around me and pushing that into my art. Waking myself up over and over again in order to stay present and connected with the world around me, and often getting stuck in places I didn’t want to be. This show is a love letter to the last four years of my life and the growth I have had both artistically and personally during my time at school.” – Harris
Each show included a talk back where people were able to really take in all the art and ask questions and discuss about the proecess and thoughts behind the show. This was one of the best parts as getting to hear and see they way that different poeple interpreted the work was incredible. Each show brings something new as each performance Syd paints live transforming the space and the minds of both The Being and the audience. After a successful opening run at Millikin University, and artistic residency at verge Julien and Syd are excited for what’s next in hopes they can continue to build this show and perform it in Hollywood.
