Categories: 6:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., ENVZN Visual Artists, ENVZN23 Featured Artists

The Alchemist in His Elements

ART INSTALLATION | ENVIRONMENTAL | HUBRIS | FRAGILITY | GLOBALISM | TRANSFORMATION

Enter the temple of the The Alchemist in His Elements – a large-scale art installation devoted to the living cycle of trash. Standing at over 7′ in height, the main character is both ancient and modern. His garb is loosely based on a Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) jade burial suit, but his imposing stature also brings to mind the Golem, a well-meaning but ultimately problematic creature found in texts dating from the earliest days of Judaic history.  In a contemporary context, The Alchemist has become a sleek superhero, emblematic of industry. The Alchemist is the original “maker”, an icon for a world that demands cheap, readily available material goods, without concern for the byproducts of manufacturing. But our relationship with industry is a complicated one.  At its core, the Alchemist also represents our need to design, build and change our environment through understanding the principles that guide our world.  Featuring an original soundscape produced and curated by MALU.

Alchemy is the grandfather of chemistry and the drawings in this exhibition are based on the ancient alchemical principal of the four elements (earth, air, water, and fire). Air begins the manufacturing process and gives birth to the Alchemist. Before he draws his first breath, pollution begins to rise from the factories. The Water drawing finds our Alchemist trudging through oceanic trash, towing yet another shipment of goods.  The Fire drawing reveals a planet racked by environmental changes, as the earth swallows the Alchemist, transporting him to a new reality.  In the final drawing, Earth, our planet extends a “trashmosphere” into space. The Dracos constellation, the serpent of temptation, eagerly awaits our next move.

Sept. 2, 2023
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Exhibition viewing times.
8:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. Live contemporary dance performances by Malashock Dance Company. Exhibition will be available for viewing during the performances. More info HERE.
Location: The Clubhouse Stage & Gallery

@larry_kline1 | @debbykline | @envznsd | @vanguardculture

Made possible through generous support from
Larry Poteet & Debra McGinty-Poteet, and:

Become a sponsor and be a part of something special… Brand placement is available at various touch points throughout the event. From street signage, to video projections onto buildings, to artful floor decals along various trolley stops around the county, to VIP areas, exhibition signage and t-shirts. Showcase your brand to thousands of culturally savvy art patrons and culture seekers.

TO LEARN MORE, CONTACT BAILEY AT [email protected]


Vanguard Culture

Vanguard Culture is an online media entity designed for culturally savvy, socially conscious individuals. We provide original interviews and reviews of the people, places, and events that make up San Diego’s thriving arts and culture community, as well as curated snapshots of the week’s best, most inspiring and unique cultural and culinary events. We believe in making a difference in the world, supporting San Diego’s vibrant visual and performing arts community and bringing awareness to important social and community causes.