Jo Sandman, Thomas J. Gustainis & Jordan Kessler
April 18–May 24, 2014

  • Transmission I from the series Transmissions by Jo Sandman

    Transmission I from the series Transmissions by Jo Sandman

  • Transmissions III from the series Transmissions by Jo Sandman

    Transmissions III from the series Transmissions by Jo Sandman

  • Transmissions VII from the series Transmissions by Jo Sandman

    Transmissions VII from the series Transmissions by Jo Sandman

  • Transmissions X from the series Transmissions by Jo Sandman

    Transmissions X from the series Transmissions by Jo Sandman

  • Revolver Pink Styrofoam by Jordan Kessler

    Revolver Pink Styrofoam by Jordan Kessler

  • High Powered Styrofoam by Jordan Kessler

    High Powered Styrofoam by Jordan Kessler

  • Target Study by Jordan Kessler

    Target Study by Jordan Kessler

  • Change My Mind by Thomas J. Gustainis

    Change My Mind by Thomas J. Gustainis

  • Expectations Give Rise to Failure by Thomas J. Gustainis

    Expectations Give Rise to Failure by Thomas J. Gustainis

  • Try Your Best Then Try Harder by Thomas J. Gustainis

    Try Your Best Then Try Harder by Thomas J. Gustainis

  • Cardboard Dragon #1a by Thomas J. Gustainis

    Cardboard Dragon #1a by Thomas J. Gustainis

Jo Sandmancargocollective.com/josandman
Transmissions

The work consists of 3 transparent image layers housed in a free-standing plexiglass frame.

“My current work titled “Transmissions” consists of an investigation of the human face, its masks and its spirit. Each image of an abstracted human face derives from  two sources: a “found” object in nature  ( of coral, stone or shell) which I have altered, or from x-ray films of the human scull.

To each initial image I add a second element which conveys the context of the individual’s life in society. A grid or a computer board indicates the idea of entrapment, or unease in society. An aerial landscape or extended text stands for a life of freedom and intellect. The third and final layer, a bright color plane conveys the spirit of the individual.

The transparency of the layers in this work enables the images to join together to form the final characterization of the individual, and invites the viewer to experience the shift  of different views as one sees the work from front or back. And to find a sense of pentimento.”

Jordan Kesslerjordankessler.com
Lead & Silver

Kessler’s photographs, images of targets,shipping containers, remnants of target shooting indicate the presence of guns without displaying the actual instrument. His work is not political but rather shows the viewer the fascination of the culture. Our society has a love hate relationship with the gun — Kessler’s  photographs are beautiful objects that each of us, depending on our own politics will view differently.

Thomas J. Gustainisthomasgustainis.com
Body Memorial

The ultimate repository, our bodies mark the passage of time. Each scar, each wrinkle, each mark is a living reminder of an event — what we did, achieved, lost, or were subjected to. As engineered markings, tattoos are a rapidly acquired body memory, a microcosm nestled in long-term decay. Moreover, they are a conscious choice, a mark we choose to live with that creates and contextualizes our identity. Whether for better or worse, whether reflected in images or text, the tattooed body bears a cohort of messages: this is who I am. This is who I want to be. This is who I was.

These messages become entwined with the responses received. As individuals constantly rebuilding identity, the perception of other’s becomes a catalyst for self-modification. We respond, refine, elaborate, and reinforce these notions of the inflected self.

Body Memorial is a series of images of my clients who have opted to work with me on selecting a handwritten piece from a set of phrases or declarations that I have authored and who agreed to incorporate the text in to their body archive in a mutually agreed upon location. With these “embedded” texts, each individual bears the weight of the text selected, using it to challenge them and us.