Greenville Hosts ‘Artifacts of What?’ Exhibition at The Artistry
The vibrant city of Greenville is set to host the much-anticipated ‘Artifacts of What?’ exhibition at The Artistry, featuring a collection of works by Atlanta-based artist Rial Rye. The exhibit will showcase around 25 thought-provoking pieces, each offering a unique perspective on identity, culture, and belonging.
A Unique Blend of Materials
Rye’s artistic creations are a fusion of recycled and reclaimed materials, including cabinets, tabletops, toys, resin, and cement. Through his innovative use of these materials, Rye has crafted a series of artworks that challenge conventional notions and invite viewers to delve deeper into the complexities of their own heritage.
One of Rye’s standout pieces, “Two-Toned Xylophone,” showcases his ability to transform everyday objects into captivating works of art. The exhibition also features “Cry (in Chaos),” a poignant reflection on the artist’s personal journey of self-discovery.
An Exploration of Identity
According to Rye, “Artifacts of What?” is a meditation on ancestry, cultural background, and ethnicity. As a biracial and queer artist, Rye grapples with the lack of representation and historical narratives that resonate with his own lived experiences.
“Being biracial and queer, there’s not many artifacts or related historical materials I can relate to. I always say that my work is a study in misfitting and trying to figure out where I belong,” Rye explains. “Growing up I never saw someone who looked like me, and in my art practice, it has become very clear that there is no visual language for biracialism. So it is my desire to, if not create a visual language, draw attention to that.”
Visitor Information
The ‘Artifacts of What?’ exhibition will be open to the public at The Artistry, located at 12 Andrews St., from August 2 to August 30. Visitors can explore the captivating artworks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by appointment.
For more information about the exhibit and Rial Rye’s work, interested individuals can visit the official website of The Artistry at www.theartistrygallery.com.
