Terraform

Works by Lucia Riffel and Elise Thompson
Phaze 2 Gallery at Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV
October 28th – December 28th, 2024

Exhibition Statement:

Now, more than ever, and ever, and ever, the future is happening around us, to us, and In spite of us; because of us. We stand at the edge of what remains, building microsystems to make sense of a world spinning out of control. Hiding in the shadows, finding solace in the dazzling array. Hoping the stars will wink at us to signal, “Keep going.” So, we do what we can, slowly and steadfastly. We traverse a changing landscape through color, form, and perceptual space. Fitting our mouths, teeth, and eyes around what order we can craft to gain some semblance or illusion of respite.

Painting, sculpture, and digital media offer a means of retrofitting the current onto the unknown new. To come to terms with what is, and find a place, for a moment, of relief to ensure we can keep moving. Tight lipped and smiling – into the void – waiting for it to smile back.

Do you see me? Will you smile back? Because I will. 

Lucia Riffel + Elise Thompson, October 2024

Exhibition Checklist

Lucia Riffel
muck
2024
3D animation

Elise Thompson
Bridge
2024
18” x 12”
acrylic and glass beads on paper

Lucia Riffel & Elise Thompson
blink
2024
30” x 20” 
acrylic and glass beads on vinyl painting, 3D animation, television, media player, cardboard, plastic, extension cords, lamps

Elise Thompson
Bow
2024
18” x 12”
acrylic and glass beads on paper 

Elise Thompson
Pull
2023
24” x 18”
acrylic and glass beads on vinyl

Lucia Riffel
gossamer
2024
3D animation, television, media player, cardboard, plastic, extension cords, lamps

Elise Thompson
Tiers
2024
18” x 12”
acrylic and glass beads on paper

Elise Thompson
Ingress
2024
18” x 12”
acrylic and glass beads on paper

Elise Thompson
Slip
2023
24” x 18”
acrylic and glass beads on vinyl

Elise Thompson
Merge
2023
15” x 11”
acrylic and glass beads on paper

Lucia Riffel
🙂 (it smiled at me and i smiled back)
2024
3D animation