CHRIS MCGINNIS
OFFICIAL WEBPAGE & PORTFOLIO
Project Description:
“Greenhouse
I” is inspired by a period of photographic history following the American Civil
War, when albumen glass negatives were reused for green house windows. These negatives contained imagery from
the war that most people were unable to confront and consequently the plates
were repurposed. Eventually
over-exposure to the sunlight destroyed the images but their sacrifice brought
life to the plants inside.
On display at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts from February 10th- Aprill 22nd, Greenhouse 1 symbolizes the potential for creative new growth in blighted local
communities. The structure itself
is made of poplar and features plexi-glass photographs that depict Pittsburgh’s
industrial past and currently struggling communities like Braddock and
Homestead. Inside the greenhouse live Poplar saplings and other plants sprout amidst rusted steel; a symbol of continued growth
in the wake of collapse.
The
Poplar tree is one of North America’s most versatile and determined species of
plant. It thrives from
Pennsylvania to Arizona and serves as a vital symbol of nature’s perseverance
under harsh conditions. Partial
inspiration for this project came from the discovery of a sixteen-foot poplar
tree growing 100 feet from the ground atop Rankin’s “Carrie” Blast Furnace.
Today many urban
municipalities are placing more emphasis on the creative reuse of our
historical areas, rather than simply demolishing and rebuilding. It is my hope that this installation
will reflect similar ideals.
Support Options:
Sponsor receives:
- One signed, limited edition silk-screen print of your choosing from the images below. Each paper print measures 18in.x 24in. with a printed area of 13in. x 18in. Prints are pulled by hand on 100% non-acidic rag paper and correspond directly to the plexi glass plates included in the exhibition. (Retail Value $275.00)
- Recognition as sponsor displayed throughout the entirety of the exhibition.
- A hand written thank you letter
Sponsor receives:
- One framed and matted, signed, limited edition silk-screen print of your choosing form the images below. Prints are framed in a 1in. curved black wood rame courtesy of Box Hear Gallery in Bloomfield PA. They measure 18in. x 24in. with a single-color 3 in. mat. Prints are pulled by hand on 100% non- acidic rag paper. (Retail value $375.00)
- Recognition as a sponsor displayed throughout the entirety of the exhibition.
- A hand written thank you letter
Important!
Please understand that the plates listed below have been printed in editions of only three prints per plate. Prints are available on a first come first serve basis.
(All images are original photographs with the exception of plates 4, 20, and 26, which were provided by the Rivers of Steel Heritage Foundation solely for the purposes of this project.)
Please understand that the plates listed below have been printed in editions of only three prints per plate. Prints are available on a first come first serve basis.
(All images are original photographs with the exception of plates 4, 20, and 26, which were provided by the Rivers of Steel Heritage Foundation solely for the purposes of this project.)
