This weekend, at Indi Go Gallery, a new exhibit titled The Bazaar of the Doomed rolls out, promising a smorgasbord of fear, imagination, and wonder. The exhibit, a collection of horror and sci-fi themed artwork, runs from September 12th until the 19th.
The press release for the event reads tantalizingly as follows:
“From the darkest depths of the desolate terra incognita to the simmering, slime-sloshed sewers of the noir necropolis: We have bought, swindled, hornswoggled, and stolen the most vile, twisted, macabre treasures man and demon have ever set their unsleeping eyes upon. Then, despite the threat of law, religious crucible, and certain satanic oppression, we defiantly bring them to you. The Bazaar of the Doomed infects the heart of downtown Champaign with an art show that explores the furthest reaches of underground, punk rock, horror, sci-fi, and trash. Once we have bathed in the wickedness we will atone for our sins by offering a sacrifice to the heavens: half of the proceeds will benefit CHASA, the Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association.
“Do you dare peruse the aisles of the horrendous Bazaar of the Doomed?”
Recently I had a chat (via email) with the exhibit’s curator, Thomas Frye.
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Smile Politely: So firstly, I guess I should ask you what your involvement with the exhibit is?
Thomas Frye: I am the curator, and I also have some art in the show.
SP: Where did the idea for this event originate?
Frye: My friends, Joel and Molly, had reserved the gallery, but then they relocated to Minneapolis. They asked if I would like to take their spot. I had really wanted to do something for chasa.org, and this seemed like a great opportunity. I also wanted to spotlight the type of artwork I was really into and saw this as an opening to do so.
SP: Where will all the art come from? Is it comprised of all original pieces, and who are the artists supplying the artwork?
Frye: The artists were allowed to submit old or new work for the show. There are a handful of artists who have donated work, including Sophie McMahan, mmaft, and Sidney Germaine, to name a few.
SP: I was informed that the theme of the art on display was a kind of horror/sci-fi motif. If I was informed correctly (and not put-on by a cruel editor), why horror/sci-fi art?
Frye: I chose horror and sci-fi because it’s what I love. Maybe it’s selfish, but it’s the kind of art I want to see. It’s also the art I make. I draw monsters and robots and wanted to share that with the community.
I love comics and horror movies. They’re a way to explore our fears, stretch our imagination, revel in the very basic emotions of joy, fear, and wonder. They are childhood’s defining qualities. I think we as adults train ourselves to be serious, and we forget how to experience anything greater than ourselves. So when people see the art, they can indulge in those feelings.
SP: You stated that some of the proceeds from the show will be given to CHASA (The Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association). Why this organization?
Frye: My good friends Jason and Nicole Morgan have a son named Maxwell who had a stroke in the womb. Until I met them I had no idea that babies could have strokes, and I would have never thought that they could have a stroke in utero. Maxwell is the most amazing, handsome, and charming kid you could ever meet, and his accomplishments are super inspiring. His parents have a yearly concert, Hear Our Song, that I designed the poster for, but watching the performers made me want to use my talents to help.
SP: And then, of course, for the final, somewhat pretentious and existential question: What should the viewer take away from this event?
Frye: I was joking with my wife that what I want people to take away most is some art! I want folks to enjoy themselves and to admire the work of the artists. I hope they find a piece of art that means something to them. I want them to learn about CHASA as well. I hope that an art show inspired by kooky and silly things can make a difference in the struggle that many unseen children and families soldier through every day.
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The exhibit, which has its Opening Reception on September 11th at 7 p.m., promises so much weird, wonderful opportunity for fun and genuine art appreciation. With regards to its press release entreaty, I submit that we should Dare.