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Artists offer alternative views of world


February 22, 2012

What’s it like in Mesa, Arizona, between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.?

Photographer Adrian Lesoing will offer a slice of that time of night during the next exhibit at ASU Gammage, March 16-April 30, when she and Phoenix artist Lee Davis share the gallery space.

Lesoing, of Mesa, will exhibit work titled “Suburbia: 85201,” a collection of photographs created between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m., in Mesa, by overexposing film. “’Suburbia: 85201’ is an experimental process enabling me to explore the bizarre, otherworldly color effects of film overexposed by artificial light,” she said.

“Through overexposure, I was able to make the sky in some images appear to be daylight while simultaneously the viewer can see stars in the sky. As a result, the images create confusion or uncertainty about time. The familiar becomes unfamiliar.”

Lesoing received her bachelor of fine arts degree in photography from ASU and has shown her work throughout the United States. Her photography tends to focus on “issues dealing with food awareness and experiences with living in the suburbs.”

Davis said his work can best be described as “approachable conceptual art, with the subject matter being scientific, thought provoking and humorous.”

He attempts to lure viewers to his art by “deliberately using bold iconographic imagery with slight comical abstractions or absurdities – an octopus with a kitchen knife, a crab with chainsaw claws – to initiate a ‘double take.’”

Davis grew up on 10 acres in rural Missouri, where he developed an appreciation for “flora and fauna and the habitats they reside in.” His parents, he said, encouraged inquisitiveness and creativity at an early age, but talked him out of becoming a paleontologist because of the poor salary prospects. “So I went to college and studied the arts.”

Davis received his bachelor of fine arts degree from Columbia College, Columbia, Mo. He currently is a member of the Eye Lounge Artist Collective in Phoenix.

Exhibit hours at ASU Gammage are 1 to 4 p.m., Mondays, or by appointment. Due to rehearsals, event set-up, performances, special events and holidays, it is advisable to call (480) 965-6912 or (480) 965-0458 to ensure viewing hours since they are subject to cancellation without notice.

Visitor parking is available at meters around the perimeter of ASU Gammage. Entrance is through the East Lobby Doors at the Box Office.

For more information about the exhibit, contact Brad Myers, (480) 965-6912, or brad.myers@asu.edu.