81C is honored to announce a full-scale gallery show of fine art photography with an exhibition celebration event taking place on Friday, April 12 (5 p.m. to midnight) at its downtown location on Strand Gade in historic Charlotte Amalie. The featured exhibition showcases Jared Shomo’s “Element,” a contemporary collection of infrared photography, printed on metal, depicting the Virgin Islands in otherworldly terms.
Event information, gallery hours and other details are listed below.
Show Description:
“Jared Shomo’s ‘Element’ is a collection of surreal infrared photography offering viewers a dreamlike take on the U.S. Virgin Islands. A nearly futuristic force is at work within these images, which span sea, land and society. Trees become silver and blue explosions. The ocean appears nearly black until its transformation to gold at shore. Dancers have taken to the streets in celebration beneath a sunburnt, smoke-filled sky. ‘Element’ is a vision, a reflection and a portal. This exhibition is Jared Shomo’s second full-scale show at 81C in Charlotte Amalie.” -The curators, 81C, April 2023
Artist Statement:
“I want this collection, ‘Element,’ to serve as a meditation in simplicity; an escape from the rapid pace, accumulation, and compound interest; a visitation not only to the natural elements but also a spark to the core element of spirit unseen. This is a visual journey to explore expressions of nature that are beyond the limits of our human perception. Infrared photography reveals a spectrum of light that exists just outside the range of human sight. It opens up a world that is foreign and intriguing, yet peaceful and surreal.” – Jared Shomo, April 2023, Charlotte Amalie
(Submitted photo)
A note on the photographic print presentation: Metal prints are made by infusing dyes directly into specially coated sheets of aluminum. The resulting prints always produce radiant colors. The look is clean and modern and borderless. A waterproof surface provides protection and durability.
About the artist:
Jared Shomo (b. 1979) is a multi-disciplinary artist, living on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. “Art has always been a way of life for me. Both of my parents were self-taught stained glass artists, and I started learning that craft from a very young age. I have also always had a fascination with cameras from earliest memory, but I started taking photography and videography seriously around 2005. I began experimenting with infrared photography around 2013.” Jared’s artistic style is mostly inspired by nature and landscapes, while sometimes venturing into abstract and minimalist photography.
Event details:
“Element” – Jared Shomo
Exhibition Opening Event will take place from 5 p.m. to midnight, Friday, April 12.
The exhibit will be on view at 81C through June 2024. Regular Gallery hours Noon to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Location: 81C – Downtown Charlotte Amalie. Strand Gade between Waterfront and Market Square. Right around the corner from Moe’s Grocery on Waterfront. Visit www.81CVI.com for a map link. Or Google 81C Virgin Islands.
To inquire about 81C art sales, contact representative Joseph Hewes at 244-5056.
Press and publicity: Zack Zook (917) 327-1561
Visit www.81CVI.COM for more information.
