Tuesday 28th, September 2010

Forced Progress: Eight Paintings in Four Weeks by Samuel B. Rapien begins Friday, Oct. 1st

Forced Progress will see the lichen transition from an art gallery into an open studio for the month of October as co-founder, Samuel B. Rapien, completes his dysfunctionation series of ink paintings. The work will begin First Friday, October 1st and guests are welcome to view the progress throughout the month during our regular gallery hours, Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. The show will conclude with a closing reception on Friday, October 29th beginning at 6pm and ending a 9pm, displaying the finished work.

From Sam: “Life has seemed overly complicated and busy as of late and my own personal work has fallen to the side of other professional and personal responsibilities. Through this open studio and final exhibition, I am forcing myself to focus on the completion of this series of large ink paintings and inviting the public to view the progress which, in turn, will hold my feet to the fire until the work is done.”

We’ve been getting some questions about this somewhat unusual First Friday opening so we thought we would help clear things up a bit:

What exactly is happening on Friday, October 1st?

Essentially, the lichen will become Sam’s open studio as he will begin work on this final series. By October 1st, the large sheets will be on our walls and he will have begun sketching and applying ink. Guests are welcome to come in, chat it up, see the loose pencil sketches and concept drawings, and watch the work commence.

When can I stop in and see the work in progress?

Friday, October 1st 6-9pm

Saturday, October 2nd 10-2pm

Saturday, October 9th 10-2pm

Saturday, October 16th 10-2pm

Saturday, October 23rd 10-2pm

and any other time you drive by and see the lights on

When can we see the finished work?

All of the completed work will be finished and on display for a closing reception on Friday, October 29th 6-9pm.

Who is Samuel B. Rapien?

Sam is a native Nebraskan, a graduate alumnus from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, an instructor, graphic designer, painter, filmmaker, published poet and playwright. He is also the co-founder of the lichen. Now you know why he’s having to force himself to work. His ink paintings have been shown locally at ProjectRoom, Tugboat Gallery, and at Omaha’s Jackson Artworks.

His work often deals with social and political commentary and satire, usually twisted and skewed by his dark sense of humor. This particular series, dysfunctionation, is his own take on American culture, exploring themes centered around religion, sexuality, and politics. I guess no one ever told him that these are the three things you shouldn’t talk about in polite company.

Missed both screenings of Within the Realm of the People?

You’re in luck because it’s now online! If you missed both screenings but wanted to check out what it was all about, you can now view it in its entirety with the live score by The Ghost Kids on our Vimeo channel. Check it out here!