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:


To select a support option simply click on the option you would like and check out through Pay Pal.  Cash or check donations contact chris@chrismcginnisart.com.



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.)



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