Eye/Hand/Eye

The USC Institute for Genetic Medicine Art Gallery presents fabric and stitching paintings by Doris Finch.

The IGM Art Gallery presents “Eye/Hand/Eye” to focus on natural and man-made issues of global environment. The events and the forum associated with the exhibit will consider the impacts of scientific research, social order and environment in the broadest sense.

These fragments of imaginary quilts, mounted and framed as precious objects, open discussion on aesthetics — a branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art and taste, and with the creation and appreciation of beauty. Studies of sensory and emotional values, the works prompt critical reflection on art, culture and nature. The images and references to calligraphic characters represent the ideas of the works. The technique of their execution incorporates proportion, order, harmony, symmetry/asymmetry and unity, which Greek philosophers identified as universal elements of beauty. The made object is seriously considered in its changed relevance to social behavior.

The artist and curator designed the exhibit to inform and engage students, young professionals and community leaders. Over a short historical period — especially since the Industrial Revolution — we have gone from relatively self-sufficient units, in which people were engaged in the actual producing of their own sustenance, to a society consuming mass-produced goods and foods. How has this affected our thinking about ourselves? How differently do we train our brains, from birth, to interact with our environment? What do we learn about the issues, to direct action toward a positive, tangible impact in local communities, as well as in the lives of the millions of men, women and children worldwide?

Of necessity, every historical period seeks a central model of understanding to cope with the areas in which social order has devolved and is most in need of renewing. This exhibition is organized to elicit micro and macro responses that can impact positively in thought and action upon environment, health and social order. Mindfulness and care of the environment are arguably our most important basic responsibilities.

From her devotion to the study of fabric and natural patterns and her patient dying, piecing and stitching, artist Doris Finch has identified life-affirming patterns imperative for assessing beauty, harmony and unity. Kin to myths, parables, visual and performing arts from all peoples across time and place, these works inspire awe of our deep interconnectedness to nature.

Designed to be a traveling exhibition, “Eye/Hand/Eye” reflects one part of the artist’s career-long exploration of the human condition as it relates to nature and human nature. Taking a step back to evaluate the ideas and process of this body of work rewards one with a revelation. With patience and striving for unity, we have the power to share knowledge and to create dialogue on campus and across organizational borders. Yes, we can piece together policies and procedures to work in collaboration. Yes, we can interact with each other and nature to ensure dignity and a bright future for all global citizens.

Related Events

March 18
Gallery tour for community leaders and honored guest Talmadge E. King Jr., M.D., Julius R. Krevans Distinguished Professorship in Internal Medicine and chair of the Department of Medicine at UC San Francisco.

April 21, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Palos Verdes Art Center (PVAC) docents meet artist Doris Finch. The PVAC docent group will visit the USC IGM Art Gallery as part of their monthly excursion series to cultural and artistic venues in the Los Angeles vicinity. The event has been organized by Dr. Marcia Coppertino, founder of the Community Healthcare Services Foundation; Lynn Crandall, director of the USC Institute For Genetic Medicine Art Gallery; and Beate Kirmse, director of Gallery Neuartig San Pedro, who also serves as a PVAC docent. Doris Finch will lead the group through the current exhibition and a Q&A session. Lynn Crandall will screen There Shall Be Physicians of the Spirit, the gallery’s documentary film.

Date TBD
Global forum in conjunction with Earth Day

Lynn Crandall
lynn.crandall@gmail.com
(213) 705-7489