Crossing Arts Alliance in downtown Brainerd presents a new exhibit, '84 by Tony Powers.
Powers' exhibition, ’84, is an artistic reaction to the volatile social and political climate of 2020. Created during the COVID-19 quarantine, pieces respond to an array of extreme current events surrounding this time in history. Works include commentary on issues such as human trafficking, violence, censorship and voter suppression.
The rough, bold graffiti style of the show is not something you may be accustomed to seeing from the tattoo artist and muralist, and was chosen specifically to reflect the important protest movements going on across the country in response to police assaults and racial injustice. The show title ’84 is a nod to Orwell’s 1949 novel, a prophecy of authoritarian social practice, psychological manipulation and class struggle and an acknowledgment to parallels seen in today’s world.
This exhibition opened Aug. 4 and will be on display in the Crossing Arts Alliance gallery through Aug. 29. Due to COVID-19 and regulations for large group gatherings, there will not be a public reception for this exhibition, but the public is invited to visit the gallery during regular business hours to view the artwork. In addition, a gallery tour video will be posted on the website and social media pages for those that are unable to view the exhibition in person.
The Raboin & Francis Law Firm and Midwest Family Eye Center are the supporting sponsors for this exhibition.
ADVERTISEMENT
This exhibition is funded, in part, by the voters of Minnesota through grants from Five Wings Arts Council and the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
For more information, contact Crossing Arts at 21-833-0416 or info@crossingarts.org. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Crossing Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit at 711 Laurel St. in downtown Brainerd.
