As Above So Below


Creation. Devotion. Reflection. Return. Four divisions of a cycle, endlessly repeating. To exist inside the divisions means the whole is obscured. Outside of them, the pieces fade away. How can you see the entirety from inside what you are viewing?  How can you name the divisions from outside their reach? 

Drawing on the holy, the mystic, and the sacred, As Above, So Below addresses questions regarding consciousness, being, and death. Four series represent four divisions of life, and together form a full cycle. The viewer is thus challenged to see each series as a distinct unit, while also acknowledging them as a part to a whole. 

In this way, the show becomes a mirror of existence. Mankind operates within the cycle’s pieces, but through them we know our limitations; our mortality, our conscious boundaries and the passing of each phase of life.  We are aware of the sum, but limited in our ability to understand its entirety. The only way to see it is in the reflection within the parts. In each segment exists the whole. As above, so below. 

 

 

art print of geometric pattern with moths and plants

El Hurst, Return, 2019, Gouache


painting of stylized wolf

El Hurst, White Face Wolf, 2019, Acrylic, gesso and charcoal on hardboard

detail of linocut of blackbird with flowers around it and a gold leaf circle behind it

El Hurst, One for Sorrow (detail), 2019, Linocut

Detail of gouache painting of hair with flowers around it

El Hurst, Hare (detail), 2019, Gouache


Resources

To find out more about the GVSU's Visual Media and Arts Department visit:

Featured Events

Evening Reception:

November 14th, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
1121 Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts
Grand Valley State University
Allendale MI, 49401

The Art Gallery partners with faculty, staff, and community members in order to offer unique perspectives to visitors of the gallery. For more information about the Art Gallery's current events and programming visit our events page. For questions regarding upcoming programming or if you would like to inquire about partnership programming call (616) 331-2563 or email g[email protected]


Hours and Location

GVSU Art Gallery
1121 Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts
Grand Valley State University
Allendale MI, 49401

M - F 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
THUR 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Admission is free and open to the public.

Contact

For special accommodation, please call:
(616) 331-2563

For exhibition inquires, please email:
[email protected]



Page last modified November 11, 2019