Michael Dowling and Annie Decamp: That’s What He Said, She Said

Thu, 03/04/2021 - 03:00 AM - Thu, 05/13/2021 - 10:00 AM

Red Brick Arts is pleased to present an exhibition of artworks by Denver based artists Annie Decamp and Michael Dowling.

Annie and Michael participate in a tradition that spans art history, the engagement of a mentor and mentee. A mentor can coach a mentee on learned skills and techniques, as well as share advice on professional development that they have gained through experience. As inspiration can be an elusive, skittish presence, a mentor holds a mentee accountable, making sure a committed diligence to art making is kept in the studio.

In this exhibition, Annie and Michael present artworks that they have created while in regular dialogue with each other. Each artist has a developed and unique voice, and by exhibiting their work together, viewers will be able to see shared influences. The exhibition explores this relationship and how it is often not one directional, but rather mutual in effect.   

Annie and Michael share their thoughts. “The relationship between a mentor and mentee is a tradition going back throughout history. We have very few opportunities to hold the significance of that exchange in our current harried world. Artists have an almost singular opportunity to slow down together and create this dynamic of learning and leading. Compared to the past, the new constructs of a more casual relationship allow for an exchange that is far more collaborative and mutually beneficial. The intensity somehow has not been lost in this ease of exchange, and the acceleration of skill and ideas is so often catapulted forward in ways that otherwise wouldn’t be.”