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October 26, 2017
Preview of Invasive Species.
The College of Arts, Media and Design (CAMD) is pleased to share that faculty member Ed Andrews, Art + Design, is debuting his first exhibition at Boston Sculptors Gallery with the opening reception on Friday November 10th 6 – 8 p.m. The exhibit, which runs through December 10 and is entitled INVASIVE SPECIES, juxtaposes literal and metaphoric interpretations of the phrase invasive species. Thematically, the installation combines Andrews’ part-time work as an environmentalist with his trepidation of electronic surveillance and the threat it poses to our civil liberties and freedom. Monumental arboreal structures support rice paper cocoons that seem to breathe in and out, while small bug-like drones buzz overhead, appearing to monitor the movement of unsuspecting viewers. The effect is at once visually seductive, poetic, and deeply disconcerting.
“I am so excited for this opportunity to show my new artwork at the Boston Sculptors gallery. Invasive Species is my inaugural exhibition since becoming a new member of the gallery and I hope to reach as wide of an audience as possible,” said Andrews, who is an Associate Professor in Media Arts (Animation) and Fundamentals at CAMD. “Invasive Species is an interactive sculpture that creates an expressive commentary focused on the spread of surveillance technology that, like invasive species of plants and animals, poses a threat to our shared human economy and well-being.”
Andrews’ interest in invasive species started in childhood. As a youth, Andrews’ family lost twelve American Elms that shaded their home due to the invasive Dutch Elm disease. Today, he manages 35 acres of woodland—an extension of his studio and a laboratory for his art practice—where he does his best to contain non-native plants and insects that threaten the eco-system, including an ongoing personal battle with the invasive European Gypsy Moth. These experiences inform Andrews’ work, paired with his expressive commentary on the spread of the security and surveillance industry, which like invasive species, can potentially damage the environment, and pose a threat to our shared human economy and well-being.
Andrews is known for his site-specific sculptures, which are responsive and usually incorporate light and movement. He has exhibited nationally and his work is in several public and private collections. His awards include fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Ford Foundation, and from regional and state Arts Commissions.
Ed Andrews’s Invasive Species will be on view concurrently with Nora Valdez’s Immigration Nation II.
Exhibit Details
Nov. 8 – Dec. 10
Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6pm
Opening Reception: Nov. 10, 6-8pm
Artists talk with Guest Curator: Dec.3, 4pm
Check out a sneak peek of Andrews’ work here:
