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

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.