Emerson Dorsch

Dorsch Gallery presents Bubble Raft, a group exhibition of sculptural works. Utilizing the indoor and out-door spaces of Dorsch Gallery, the exhibition includes works by Bhakti Baxter, Christopher Bradley, Bruce Conkle, Robin Griffiths, Richard Haden, Jay Hines, Brookhart Jonquil, Sinisa Kukec, Justin H. Long, David Marsh, Daniel Nevers, Daniel Newman, Matt Nichols, Brandon Opalka, Cheryl Pope, Ralph Provisero, Carlos Rigau, Audrey Hasen Russell, David Shaw, Shoplifter, Magnus Sigurdarson, sleeper, Kyle Trowbridge, and Toot.

The Opening Reception will feature performances by Otto von Schirach, Dino Felipe, Pocket of Lollipops, Boise Bob and his Backyard Band, and Viking Funeral.

The atomic structure of metal is imperfect. The atoms group together in an interlocking hexagonal pattern, but there are inconsistencies in the pattern that are hard to predict. The raft of bubbles on the surface of a liquid, called a bubble raft, is a naturally occurring model of the interlocking hexagonal pattern at the molecular level of metals. The bubble raft also models the defects in the pattern.

The bubble raft evokes the generative stage of the exhibition. Bubbles, like objects, can exist on their own. This exhibition was formed from recent experiences seeing work and studio visits. Many of the works that resonated were sculptural - specifically objects and not installation. Independent bubbles rise to the surface and join with others. The objects' physical form, combination of materials, absurdity and subtle humor begged comparison to one another, especially when shown together in an exhibition.

A bubble raft has its own inherent dynamics, like metal, or a practice, or an exhibition.