Transforming Existence

Transforming Existence is a juried exhibition of student and faculty work exploring Surrealist. On display at the SDSU Downtown Gallery, located in the Core Columbia neighborhood of downtown San Diego, the exhibition will reach the broadest possible audience from both SDSU and the local community.

The exhibition explores the use of imagination as a method to delve beyond what artists consciously understand in order to make sense of the world around them through the approach of Surrealism. The exhibition will investigate the ways in which surrealistic combinations allow artists to reconcile intense personal experiences, to understand relationships and society, and to extract disparate imagery from their subconscious or dreams as a pathway to illumination.

The title, Transforming Existence, refers to a quote from André Breton, who is recognized as the creator of Surrealism (as an approach) in 1924. Breton stated, “Surrealism is not just an art movement; it is a way of thinking, a way of life, a way of transforming existence.” Since its creation nearly a century ago, Surrealism has remained relevant, infused into all art forms from drawing, painting, sculpture, and ceramics to jewelry, photography, digital art, and graphic design. The proliferation of the approach and its continued legacy creates an opportunity for artists of all disciplines to create work incorporating the foundations and aesthetics of Surrealism. Through the use of a focused approach, visitors to the exhibition will experience an alternate reality, transported to places that exist only in the mind’s eye of each individual artist.

Opening Reception

Opening Reception with the Artists/Downtown at Sundown 

February 15th, 2018 from 5:00-8:00PM
SDSU Downtown Gallery
725 W. Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101 

For this Downtown at Sundown join us to celebrate the opening of Transforming Existence. Meet the artists and mingle as you view the exhibition, featuring artworks from students and faculty of the School of Art + Design, interpreting the theme of “imagination.” 

Downtown at Sundown is in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCASD), Stone Brewing Co., Aaharn, and Carnivore, on the third Thursday of every month from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Workshop

Workshop with Nancy Skolos and Tom Wedell

Topic: Graphic Design Workshop: “College as a Process for Poster Design,” with Nacy Skolos and Tom Wedel

Faculty Sponsors: Susan Merrit MFA, Professor of Graphic Design, School of Art and Design

Date: April 20th, 2018
Time: TBA
Where: Room A-312 (Art North)