Chris Coffin
“43” short film, 2021
running time 5:39
Drawing on the sudden death of his father as a teenager, Chris Coffin reflects on his family history and lineage from his grandfather to his father, himself, and his son. The symbolic act of ringing a ship bell amid a sea of cacophony during a violent Nor’Easter is the conduit for catharsis, reconciliation, and healing.
Chris Coffin
“43” (detail), 2021
Esperanza Cortés
La Mano Poderosa, 2016 – 2019
Clay, chains, filigree beads
30″h x 20″w x 10″d
Esperanza Cortés
Ojo I, 2013
Watercolor on paper
Dimensions variable
Adam Stennett
Four Minutes and Fifty-Two Seconds of Breathing, 2020
Single-channel video
Adam Stennett
Untitled, 2019
Acrylic on paper
22″ x 30″
Adam Stennett
Frog 2, 2018
Acrylic on paper
22″ x 30″
Adam Stennett
Ghost Pipe 1 (Montotropa uniflora), 2018
Acrylic on paper
30″ x 22″
Jean-Marc Superville Sovak
Ennuieuse, 2021
Monoprint on found antique engraving
10″ x 8″
Jean-Marc Superville Sovak
Overture, 2021
Monoprint on found antique engraving
8″ x 6″
Jean-Marc Superville Sovak
Visitation, 2021
Monoprint on found antique engraving
10″ x 8″
Jean-Marc Superville Sovak
Bacchus Blues, 2021
Monoprint on found antique engraving
10″ x 8″
October 15th – November 14th, 2021
Curated by Jason Clay Lewis and David Gorman
The Royal @ RSOAA is pleased to present Survive, an exciting new exhibition of works by artists Chris Coffin, Esperanza Cortés, Adam Stennett and Jean-Marc Superville Sovak, curated by Jason Clay Lewis and David Gorman. The Royal welcomes visitors to attend the opening reception of Survive in person Friday, October 15th, 7 – 9PM.
The last few years have been fraught with uncertainty, confusion, and loss. On the other hand, there are amazing stories to be found of overcoming incredible hardships. These are trying times with obvious difficulties ahead, but there are profound lessons yet to be found.
“Survive” literally means “continue to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship”. The term “survival” usually refers to physical survival or a struggle to avoid physical extermination. The theory of natural selection incorporates the concept of the survival of the fittest in the struggle for existence. In the literature on life after death, survival is often used interchangeably with immortality. Immortality suggests a superior quality of existence, whereas the term survival suggests a continuation of the status quo.
It’s time to start fresh, move forward, and do more than just survive.