Solo Exhibit: Karen Bright — Within the Anthropocene

Karen Bright’s (MFA Printmaking 1984) solo exhibition, WITHin the Anthropocene opens at CVA Gallery at Brookdale Community College on November 2, 2023. Brights featured works span a range of methods including encaustic, fresco, sculpture, and graphic design.

WITHin the Anthropocene aims to provide visitors with a space for reflection and contemplation about the challenges our world faces in the 21st century, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and the Anthropocene epoch. It encourages viewers to expand their imagination and consider new, sustainable interrelationships between humans, nature, and our planet.

The exhibition opens with a powerful series of post-Sandy infographic prints derived from data sourced from organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NASA, and the United States Naval Observatory. These prints serve as a stark representation of climate change, its regional legacy, and its impact on our planet.

A sculptural series – “Still Water,” created for the exhibition – explores the multifaceted nature of water, both as an essential giver of life and as a primary player during extreme weather events.

The artist, Karen Bright, shared her inspiration for the exhibition: “My work is enlivened by my deep connection to nature and informed by my personal experiences with our shared climate crisis. The living environment – with particular focus on ocean ecosystems – has offered a consistent well of inspiration for my work over many decades. My work draws energy from the use of color and texture to create added depth and meaning. ‘WITHin the Anthropocene’ is an opportunity to expand our imagination and provoke thoughtful dialogue about how we can spur innovative, sustainable, and equitable solutions to safeguard the health and prosperity of our communities—and to protect our planet.

WITHin the Anthropocene will be on view through December 6, 2023. An opening reception takes place on November 2, 2023, from 5 to 7 pm. An encaustic demonstration with Bright and a closing event conversation will be open to the public. Please see the CVA Gallery’s website for details.

Learn More:

Center for Visual Arts Gallery, Brookdale Community College

Print Media at Cranbrook Academy of Art