Press Release

NEW ORLEANS---Heriard-Cimino Gallery presents River Culture by Elizabeth Shannon. An Opening Reception to meet the artist will be held on Saturday, November 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibition will be on view November 6 through 30, 2010. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 to 5, or by appointment.

Elizabeth Shannon’s “River Culture” - collected pieces for assembly and reappropriation, is inspired by the Mississippi River activity in its reality and lore - its fluidity a backdrop and reflection of the shifting identities of humanity. The artist conveys the multi-faceted elements of the river. These pieces originate from machine-works buildings along the riverfront and adjacent neighborhoods that once manufactured gears, bearings, shafts and equipment that served the many industries of marine commerce and trade. The Shannon family’s hardware and marine businesses began in 1872, and no doubt serve in her personal affection, influence, and connection to the waterways throughout the southeast parishes of Louisiana. These particular wooden forms in the exhibition were originally built to serve as models for casting machine parts into metal. These uniquely elegant forms reappropriated, assembled or standing alone, allow us into the creative insight of the artist. Shannon states, “I most often collect objects for their intrinsic value. It is an important critical process in initiating the conceptualization of a potential work. The pieces that I am presenting represent the collecting of salvage along riverfront wharfs and warehouses in Louisiana towns and cities. Some of the works stand alone – unaltered – paying homage to the craftsmanship of their creators.”

Also included in the exhibition are cyanotype photographs in indigo inspired tones. Shannon uses these photographs as narratives in symphony with her sculptural pieces in the exhibition. The imagery in her evocative photographs lures us into previous centuries, and invites our imaginations to wander the wharfs and cultures along the river.

Shannon has been a dynamic figure in the arts community for over twenty-five years. Her art can be found in prominent public and private collections. Her work has been exhibited at the NEXUS Contemporary Art Center in Atlanta, Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, New Orleans Museum of Art Biennial, Roanoke Museum of Fine Arts in Virginia, and Hunter Museum of Art in Tennessee. Shannon is a native of Louisiana, receiving her consortium B.A. degree from St. Mary’s Dominican College in New Orleans, Loyola University and Xavier University. Shannon works and resides in New Orleans.