Chris Bradley
Close One
February 24 - May 28, 2012
Predicated on common desires, like maximum leisure time and the thirst for travel, the exhibition Close One celebrates idiosyncrasies found in our average daily monotony. Included in the exhibition are spoofs and spin-offs of ordinary, blue-collar subjects that hint at potential fictional histories behind the work. What you encounter is a duality of play of reproductions where material specificity and trompe l’oeil painting put authenticity to question; and the byproduct of inebriated reverie and wishful thinking are front and center.
A recent School of the Art Institute of Chicago M.F.A graduate, Bradley balances humor with thoughtful composition in his playful installations and pairs unlikely elements with more common sculptural materials such as wood and steel. By arranging prosaic objects in uncommon ways, Bradley assigns them new importance and suggests new ways of relating to them. The use of disparate materials, such as discarded auto parts and cast bronze forms, Bradley creates a conversation amongst the work that diminishes conventional means of appraisal and embraces the material’s immediate effect. What seem to be salvaged tractor trailer doors are hung like paintings, while cast bronze junk food rest whimsically, waiting to be shot at as subjects of target practice. As you walk through Close One, be sure to stay out of the line of fire.
Photo: Chris Bradley, Targets in Tijuana, 2010-2011.
All images courtesy of the artist and Shane Campbell Gallery
Download the Gallery Guide featuring an interview with Chris Bradley
Exhibition Related Programs
Opening Preview Reception
Friday, February 24, 2012
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Become a CAM Raleigh member to attend this special exhibition reception free of admission charge. Public welcome. Free with museum admission..
Artist Talk
Saturday, February 25, 2012
3:00 p.m.
Meet in the Independent Weekly Gallery and hear first-hand exhibiting artist Chris Bradley talk about his work. Join CAM Raleigh to attend this artist talk free of admission charge. Public welcome. Free with museum admission.
About the Emerging Artist Series
CAM Raleigh is the only museum in the region with a dedicated gallery for emerging artists and designers. Through exhibiting emerging artists whose work is still in progress and fresh from the studio, CAM Raleigh celebrates the diversity of artistic expression and places the artist at the center of the community. The museum supports early career contemporary artists in an atmosphere where they are encouraged to foster a cross-fertilization of ideas and dynamic interaction with visitors. Visitors from all walks of life will often have a chance to meet and exchange ideas with the artists celebrated in this series. CAM Raleigh’s Independent Weekly Gallery features the Emerging Artist Series.
Press
Independent Weekly - April 11
Chris Bradley finds creative opportunities in the simplest of objects in Close One at CAM Raleigh
Art Now SF - March 6
CAM : Raleigh : North Carolina
southwestraleigh.com - March 1
"Close One" by Chris Bradley - Now on Exhibit at CAM Raleigh
