DUNGEON CRAWLER
Devra Freelander + Jessica Gatlin + Cassie McQuaterCurated by Alana-lynn Berglund
August 3 - August 29, 2018
Reception: Aug 3, 7PM-9PM
The Holland Project, Reno, Nevada
This exhibition began by considering the premise of the classic “dungeon crawl” video game genre; a protagonist is forced into a decaying planet and proceeds to make their way through a labyrinthine world by battling various enemies, while occasionally they pick up some loot along the way. Crawl games are often characterized by an elusive plot or lack of a foreseeable or logical end, and in this way, the genre is often referenced pejoratively. Interpreting this as a fitting description of how we navigate everyday life—without any literal hack-and-slash—these artists were invited for the way they engage in topical issues such as battling against gender normativity and fighting for the changing environment. Earth is the planet, the artist/viewer is the “crawler”, and our seemingless endless battles are with ourselves and the political/social systems at play. Each of these artists has an approach which involves a lot of ongoing research and a bit of magic. Through their work, we are transported to esoteric locales/planes where a new spell book for causing change is revealed.
Update 2019: I’d to acknowledge what an incredible honor it was to exhibit the work of Devra Freelander. Her untimely passing was a tragedy, yet the work continues to move us, to inspire us, and is a reminder to burn bright with a passion for life and this rock we live on. In the days following her passing, it was clear what a tremendous impact Devra had on a global arts community as an individual and an artist. I will be forever grateful to Devra for sharing her vision & work with my community. Rest easy.
