Disrupter Gallery in the Knob Hill District of Colorado Springs is working to encourage healing through art amid its December showing titled Catharsis – a collection to be representative of the artists’ experiences and/or struggles amid a tumultuous social climate.
“We chose ‘Catharsis’ for the fact that we’ve been living in a really crazy world lately. We booked the show pre-election and pre-all-that, knowing that heading into the end of this year, it’s been a rough year for everybody,” gallery owner and founder Brian Tryon said.
Tryon said each of the 10 artists selected for the December gallery show was instructed to select three pieces of their work they feel embody the theme of catharsis in some way. The artists featured are a group of diverse backgrounds and work in a variety of mediums.
Working for and operating the gallery through allyship of the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC community, Tryon said he hopes to promote the idea of healing as a community through art.
“My hope is for the show to open up some dialogue, open up some communication, and for people to know that we have a space, and these artists are creating art to have those dialogues. Maybe there’s tears, maybe there’s laughter, maybe there’s a little reprieve from all the negative stuff people are feeling and experiencing through the art. I hope this show helps the artists work through whatever they might be going through, and for the viewer to have the opportunity to heal through the art,” Tryon said.
It’s been a rough year for everybody. – Brian Tryon
Local artist Aubry Peters is set to be featured in the December show. Although he works across all mediums, he says his main focus currently has been on photography and acrylics.
Peters continued saying his collection of work to be featured is meant to represent the past, present, and future of the world. Working within the theme of time, his pieces are portrayed on clocks.
“I tend to skew a little nihilist. I find drawing a shared connection over hopelessness, ironically, gives you a little bit of hope, because you feel like you’re not alone,” Peters said.
He said his work is rooted in the Colorado Springs community that he and his art have grown from.
“From a personal perspective, I think it reflects the community, just because everything I’ve done is grown out of The Springs,” Peters said.
Gallery curator and artist Lucy Hancock expressed excitement for the December showing, not only to see the show come to fruition but also as an opportunity to draw inspiration.
“I’m excited to see what all of the artists come up with. Aubrey especially; I haven’t gotten a chance to see his art yet. I love it when we get new artists. I love to observe the art, analyze it, and have it find a home for a month,” Hancock said.
“For now, I’m appreciating the art we’ve had for November. It’s bittersweet when we start a new show and flip the gallery. I am ready to find new inspiration in what we’re about to put up for December,” Hancock continued.
Disruptor Gallery’s Catharsis show is scheduled to premiere during First Friday, Dec. 6, and will run through December. The gallery is located next door to What’s Left Records at 2217 E. Platte Ave. in Colorado Springs.
