Scott Carter exhibition: 'The Nature of Being'

SCAD alumnus Scott Carter (B.F.A., painting, 2008) transforms Pinnacle Gallery into an immersive sculptural installation using the material of its construction — drywall. This unique work blurs the distinctions between where the artwork begins and gallery space ends by excavating individual sections of the walls to create the sculptures contained within.

“Through the process of examining materials and their function,” Carter said. “I am interested in reframing the scope of their use and how they impact their intended environment.” The sculptures are inspired by the genre of vanitas paintings, in which motifs such as skulls, melted wax candles and overripe fruit serve as symbolic reminders of the fragility and temporality of earthly goods and pursuits.

Unlike traditional building materials such as stone, wood or brick, drywall is relatively impermanent and is a fitting artistic medium that relates to issues of sustainability in contemporary architecture and design. Ultimately, Carter’s installation creates an entirely new and unexpected experience of Pinnacle Gallery and offers a reminder of our ephemeral nature.

This exhibition is curated by Alexandra Sachs, SCAD curator of exhibitions.

Presented as part of the deFINE ART 2015 program, Feb. 17-19

Reception: Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Gallery hours:

• Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.