Connect 4: at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library downtown - Part 2

Updated 5/16/2013: Content
Updated 5/6/2013: Photos
Updated 5/5/2013: Content.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library and CulturalDC** have started their Connect 4* series. In the first article I introduced Nekisha Durrett and her installation of O'er Yonder. In Part 2, we look at artist Brian Davis and his participatory piece Circuit.

I was fortunate enough to meet Brian, shortly after he began his install of Circuit, he was extremely gracious and allowed me the time to talk to him and take the photographs below.

In Progress - Brian Davis "Circuit"

"Circuit consists of vintage and contemporary chairs arranged in an outward-facing circle. The chairs and lights are connected by a structure of boards, bolts and wires that respond and switch on and off whenever a chair is occupied" That's the official blurb on the exhibit. Actually "Circuit" is that and more. The groupings of chairs and lamps, which are the first objects that you see, are below a circle of spokes constructed of fluorescent lights. The more the merrier is the catch here, and that's when the fun begins. Sorry no spoiler here. But I would encourage you, with family or friends (try to make the count 5) to visit the exhibit and enjoy the experience of participation in art and embrace this artwork.

Spokes of Fluorescent Lights above

Contemporary and Antique Chairs out-facing

Brian Davis allowed me to interrupt his install - thank you Brian

The exhibit opens on Tuesday May 7th. Which is also the same day as the Opening Reception of Connect 4 with meet the artists (from 5 till 7pm in the lobby of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library) I encourage everyone to attend the exhibits, and support the arts and artists in DC.

Installation Completed - Ready for your Participation

Choose your Chair -  Opening Tuesday 7th May

I have to say I am really looking forward to viewing Sam Scharf and Anna Tsouhlarakis artworks in the coming weeks. The two additional projects will run through the summer. Sam Scharf will create a two-part installation called Sit Here and I See You that responds directly to the architecture and public nature of the space. Anna Tsouhlarakis will cap off the series with Sylleptic Thoughts, a project that explores the city through the lens of Native American literature and identity. Dates for those projects will be announced. You can guarantee that this blog will feature all 4 of the Artist involved in this project

UPDATE 5/16/13: As part of the Connect 4 public art series at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library, CulturalDC is teaming up with Split This Rock’s youth program, the DC Youth Poetry Slam team which meets regularly at the Library’s Teen Space. Join them Wednesday, May 22nd at 4:30 in the lobby of the MLK Jr. Library as members of the Slam team perform original pieces in response to the work of Connect 4 artist Brian Davis.

*Connect 4, a CulturalDC public project is generously supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and by Timothy Hyde. In-kind support for Nekisha Durrett's project was provided by CSI Printing and Graphics.
**CulturalDC is a non-profit arts organization that makes space for art. CulturalDC operates Flashpoint at 916 G Street NW and Source at 1835 14th Street NW.