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September 3, 2022 by events

Exhibition Opening: ‘we are and will be dust’ handwoven works by Danny Varillas

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Material Things
4531 Rhode Island Ave - North Brentwood
Events
38.943715 -76.948215

Date/Time
Date(s) - 09/03/2022
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location

Categories

  • Community Event

Cost
Free

Details

we are and will be dust, work by Danny Varillas at THE PALLET RACK
Opening Reception: Saturday, Sep. 3, 2022, 5–7 p.m.
Natural Dyeing and Screenprinting Party: Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, time forthcoming
Exhibition on View: Saturday, Sep. 3–Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022

we are and will be dust is an exhibition of new, handwoven works by Maryland-based artist Danny Varillas. The exhibition will be on view at The Pallet Rack, an experimental gallery space at Material Things, from September 3 through October 1, 2022.

In we are and will be dust, Varillas focuses on the idea that all plants, animals, and humans are linked in a complex pattern of energy exchange. All living things eventually die into each others’ lives, and then live into each others’ deaths. The soil that living things return to is one that is full of death, but also fully alive. Fungi, bacteria, and microorganisms restore decayed matter for the next organism to be born into––they lay to rest and also rise. This natural model is a complex but perfect regenerative system. Referencing microscopic qualities of living soil, Varillas’ work dwells on this magnificent system where all things are poetically connected in an indefinite cycle of exchange.

Materially, work in we are and will be dust combines fibers naturally-dyed by the artist with traditional floor loom weaving and digital TC2 Jacquard weaving––a process involving a computer-controlled loom that is manually-operated. Varillas often manipulates the natural dyed fibers in his work using unconventional materials like bleach and spray paint, as a way of examining tensions between the natural and unnatural, the pure and impure, and the residual consequences of human interference in nature. One such point of contention that Varillas has started to study is the impacts, byproducts, and coping strategies associated with pest species.

ABOUT DANNY VARILLAS
Danny Varillas (he/him) is a multidisciplinary artist and designer from Rockville, MD. He experiments across media in printmaking, textiles, and graphic design to explore ideas around culture, language, and the agrarian and craft roots of his own family history. Most recently, Varillas has used hand-weaving, natural dyeing, and sewing to create intricate works that reference the recognizable and microscopic qualities of natural processes. His background in digital design has lead to an interest in connections between traditional weaving and modern computer technology, and a respect for interplay between the handmade and the automated.

In his design profession, Varillas focuses on brand identity for the art and cultural sectors. He currently works with the internationally-recognized design studio, Pentagram. Varillas received his B.F.A. in graphic design from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2019.

ABOUT MATERIAL THINGS AND THE PALLET RACK
Material Things is the creative workspace of Francisco Rosario and Katie Aldworth, plus many other friends who make the Material Things creative community possible. Francisco works primarily in wood and metal to create sculpture, and on occasion, utilitarian ware. Katie works in clay to create utilitarian ware, and on occasion, sculpture. Limited classes in clay, wood, and welding are also offered.

Material Things is located next to NE DC at 4531 Rhode Island Ave, North Brentwood, MD, 20722. To learn more, visit materialthingsstudio.com and @materialthingsstudio.

The Pallet Rack is a 24 sq.-ft. exhibition space inside Material Things. we are and will be dust can be viewed Fridays 5–8 p.m. and Sundays 12–3 p.m., or by scheduling an appointment through Grace at grace.marie.dewitt@gmail.com.

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