Alienation - The Arrival

Aliens and UFO's might seem to be strange subject matter for an art show. It's the first collaborative effort between Wonka Gallery and Zepf Alt Gallery. Back in 2007 Wonka Gallery curated a show called "Alienated" it was held in a small gallery in Normal Heights. It featured a small group of local artists who were asked to create a piece of art celebrating the alien life form."Alienation - The Arrival" is a group art show now on display at the Zepf Alt Gallery Downtown. It's a larger space than the first and includes many more artists.

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When you curate an art show like this you hear some strange stories. Many people have experienced some kind of unexplainable circumstance involving what they thought were aliens. Unexplainable events, in secluded areas like the desert or the wilderness.I have never heard an abduction story from someone I knew, but most of the stories I heard included hearing sounds or seeing lights. These are sane people, and it's something that you don't go around talking about. I guess they thought I was someone they could confide in.

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In movies, aliens have been portrayed in many ways. They are highly evolved creatures, much more advanced than we are, peaceful and curious. They appear to have no gender, they avoid human contact at all costs. Humans are the threat, not them. On the other side, aliens are invaders, monstrous or bug-like in form.  They want our planet for themselves. They come to Earth to eradicate us.

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The artists made many different comparisons to the alien way of life and our own. They gave them the same problems we face, made comments about sexuality and relationships.Some portrayed aliens as monsters, working on our fear of the unknown. Others took a political view by examining our own immigration policies, and the term "illegal" alien. One artist made Jesus Christ an alien, not to far fetched if you think about it.

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Why do artists gravitate to this type of show? Do they share a similarity that an alien would also feel? The word alienated means to feel isolated or estranged. Such is the life of the artist. Misunderstood by most people but dedicated to a mission of their own, to create art and inspire thought.

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If you are interested in seeing the show you can attend the closing reception. "Alienation - The Departure" opens on Saturday, April 28th, from 5-10pm at Zepf Alt Gallery  1150 Seventh Ave, Downtown.

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