701 Center for Contemporary Art presents Dustin Farnsworth: The Devil’s Work

Exhibition: January 11 – February 25, 2018 

Artist Reception: Thursday, January 11, 7 – 9 pm 

Reception Admission: Members, free; non-members, $5 suggested donation 

Contact: Hannah Shepard 

701 CCA 

701 Whaley St., 2nd Floor 

Columbia, SC 29201 

(803) 319–9949 

[email protected] 

www.701cca.org 

Columbia’s 701 Center for Contemporary Art presents a solo exhibition by its most  recent artist in residence, Dustin Farnsworth. Farnsworth, whose sculptures have met with  considerable critical success in recent years, will show works from the past seven years,  including new art created during his residency. The exhibition, The Devil’s Work, runs from  January 11th to February 25th, 2018. The opening reception is Thursday, January 11, 7-9 pm.  The reception is free for 701 CCA members: there is a $5 suggested donation for non members.  

A Michigan native, Farnsworth lives in Montreal, Canada. He completed his 12-week  residency at 701 CCA from October through December. Since receiving his undergraduate  degree from Michigan’s Kendall College of Art and Design in 2010, Farnsworth’s work has  appeared in over 50 exhibitions nationally, including solo exhibitions at the Cameron Art  Museum in Wilmington, N.C., and the Huntsville Museum of Art in Alabama. In addition to  both museums, his work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in  Houston, the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and other institutions. Later this year,  Farnsworth will be among four artists in a group exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art  Museum’s Renwick Gallery. 

Often larger than life, Farnsworth socially conscious constructions are engrossing,  captivating and surreal. Connected by a strong thread of craftsmanship, Farnsworth shows us  that the devil is in the details. He creates visceral and cerebral portraiture of today’s youth  with critical portrayal of their worldly inheritance, engaging in visual rhetoric representing a  generation in need of protection, empowerment, and change. He has been gaining  recognition for his intricate sculptures, captivating audiences through a mastery of craft,  material, and storytelling. With the support of grants and fellowships, Farnsworth has had  residencies at Penland School of Crafts, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, and  elsewhere.

“I’ve been interviewing kids in the 8 to 14 range about their hopes and fears,”  Farnsworth says. “So, I’m letting that determine the direction of the work. As my work  progresses, it’s becoming less of what my thoughts are about being a youth and more  centered on what’s actually happening.” His work is not only growing in concept, but also in  size. During his residency at 701 CCA, Farnsworth focused on a towering portrayal of a youth  who particularly inspired him. This piece will be unveiled at the exhibition at 701 CCA.  

701 CCA is a non-profit visual arts center that promotes understanding, appreciation  and enjoyment of contemporary art, the creative process and the role of art and artists in the  community. The center also encourages interaction between visual and other art forms. 

701 CCA is located at 701 Whaley Street, 2nd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. During  exhibitions, hours are Wed-Sat 11–5; Sun 1-5. For more information, visit www.701cca.org. For further inquiries or high resolution images, contact [email protected] or call  (803) 319-9949. Please check the 701 CCA website for additional information on the  exhibition and associated events. 

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