FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Objects of Life”

a Multimedia Exhibition by Steven Sebring and Patti Smith

In conjunction with the world premiere of Dream of Life at Sundance 2008, Julie Nester Gallery will feature “Objects of Life”, a multimedia installation of objects, photographs and video inspired by Steven Sebring’s filming of the artist, singer, songwriter Patti Smith. The installation will be on display from January 17 – 26.

Park City, UT Jan 17, 08 The film Dream of Life is a hypnotic plunge into the philosophy and artistry of cult rocker Patti Smith.  This portrait of the legendary singer, artist and poet explores themes of spirituality, history and self expression  Known as the godmother of punk, Patti Smith emerged in the 1970’s, galvanizing the music scene with her unique style of poetic rage, music and trademark swagger.  

Steven Sebring is a photographer and director whose multimedia exhibition, "Objects of Life" was inspired by his experience shooting the film Dream of Life. During the course of filming he became fascinated by the history and mythology behind the possessions and personal treasures that Patti Smith shares with us during the film’s most intimate moments. It resulted in the desire to return to his roots as a photographer and to recontextualize through his camera lens, the sacred, and the common place; the effect is both anthropologic and sentimental, collapsing cultural differences in iconographic similarity, while revealing the object’s character and lasting beauty.

"I feel that objects of life picks up at the point where photography and presentation capture the mind in a slower pace and yet reveal the idea: that thought is often born from thought and that creativity itself can be provoked by art.  I love that all objects have a point of reference and value depending on your relationship to them as owner, inheritor, consumer, collector or observer it’s all subjective."
Steven Sebring

“Objects of Life” consists of 14 large scale photographs taken by Sebring. This collection ranges from Patti Smith’s childhood dress, to an ancient urn containing the remains of Robert Mapplethorpe, to black leather boots that have stomped around the world. Included is a video installation of Patti Smith in the course of creating an art piece, as well as a rare unseen oil painting by Patti Smith, which is her largest work to date.  The exhibit also features a private collection of personal belongings from both artists whose collaboration is grounded by their relationship to the film and to their individual experiences.

This exhibit has been crafted to be self-contained; the art travels in custom-made crates constructed of simple wood.  The crate itself becomes an active element of the installation, transporting as well as supporting many objects for display; which allows the exhibit to accompany the film worldwide with the least amount of ecological waste.

Gallery Information

Julie Nester Gallery specializes in contemporary art and represents a number of emerging, mid- career and established artists from around the United States. The gallery was awarded “Best Utah Art Gallery” by Salt Lake Magazine in 2005. Our art encompasses a diversity of styles including figurative, landscapes and abstracts. The gallery offers an exceptional selection of original paintings, mixed media prints, photography and sculpture. Julie Nester Gallery is located in Park City, Utah; housed in a renovated, spacious warehouse in the Iron Horse District. With high ceilings and large walls we are able to showcase both large and small scale work.  Julie Nester has over 15 years of experience in the art business and has worked with many first time and experienced buyers to build their collections.

Julie Nester Gallery
1755 B Bonanza Dr.
P.O. Box 682900
Park City, UT 84060
Phone: 435-649-7855
FAX: 435-649-7702
Email: julienester@comcast.net

http://www.julienestergallery.com
Gallery Hours
Monday - Friday 10:30-6pm, Saturday and Sunday 11-4
Anytime by Appointment

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