May 26 - July 1, 2023
Everted Sanctuaries : Exquisite Contortions | Ryan Lewis

Artist Statement:
Everted Sanctuaries is a series of stop-motion animated videos exploring the topic of introversion. Found objects are transformed to reveal complexities that often go unnoticed below the surface. The strains and stresses of transformation form a methodical performance where brokenness and adaptation are indistinguishable. 

Eversion refers to an organism’s ability to turn itself inside out. For example, a sea cucumber can eject its internal organs to distract predators, sacrificing vital functions for survival. Similarly, introverts temporarily evert their personalities to function in extroverted contexts. This performance is simultaneously action and reaction, assertion and retreat. This transformation can be physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing. Cultural, educational, and professional environments do not often provide introverts the sanctuary necessary to revitalize themselves.

Everted Sanctuaries communicate about the complex needs of introverts. Transformed objects become metaphors for the often uncomfortable process of becoming temporarily extroverted. Ubiquitous exteriors part to reveal intricate interiors—beautiful, but unintended consequences of the contortions necessary to fit in. Structures of solitude give way to churning interiors. Identities vacillate between self and other, hoping to please, becoming something new. Everted Sanctuaries demonstrate the remarkable flexibility of introverts and ask viewers to consider the depth and vulnerability concealed beneath silent surfaces.

Artist Bio:
Ryan Lewis is an animator, graphic designer, artist, and design educator based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA. His moving image work has been screened at galleries and festivals nationally and internationally at venues such as MCAD in Minneapolis, UMASS Boston, MICA Place in Baltimore, RedLine Contemporary Art Center in Denver, UICA in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Indianapolis Art Center, Manifest Gallery in Cincinnati, the South Bend Museum of Art, CICA Museum in South Korea, the International Motion Festival in Cyprus, and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Vojvodina, Serbia. Ryan is an Associate Professor of Graphic Design at the Gwen Frostic School of Art at Western Michigan University. In professional practice, Ryan has designed for the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs and Henry Schein, Inc. Ryan earned an MFA from the Ohio University School of Art + Design and a BFA from Utah State University. 

Inventory

Everted Sanctuaries I - V, VII
Digital stop-motion video
Price available upon request

Everted Sanctuaries VI
Digital stop-motion video
$3,000, Edition 1 of 5

Found Objects
Transformed Bear from Everted Sanctuaries I
Transformed Baseball from Everted Sanctuaries II
Transformed Soccer Ball from Everted Sanctuaries III
Gel from Stress Reliever Toy from Everted Sanctuaries IV
Transformed Golf Ball from Everted Sanctuaries V
Transformed Book from Everted Sanctuaries VI
Transformed Pet Bed from Everted Sanctuaries VII