Helene

Got Game? Art Exhibit

208 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA, USA

Got Game?

anne's Visual Art Studio gallery Proudly Announces 
Got Game?: A Mixed Media Interactive Group Exhibition, 
Curated by Helene Ruiz will be on display
February 2 - April 12, 2024 with
Formal Opening Reception First Friday March 1 from 6-9PM.
Doors open 4PM. This event will be filmed by David James on TheOpening Night March 1, 2024.
(Sneak Preview of artwork First Friday February 2, 2024.)
Many Artists will be Available both nights for Interviews and Photography. More info below.
Free and Open to the Public 

208 W Broad ST Richmond VA / art district First Friday Artwalk
Mixed Media Interactive Group Exhibition Curated by Helene Ruiz
(Sneak Preview of artwork First Friday February 2, 2024 from 6-9PM.)

Formal Opening Reception First Friday March 1, 2024 from 6-9PM with Live Poetry Readings by Helene Ruiz, Dorothy Rice, Monica Hill, Kayla Bryson and Gloria Holwerda-Williams from 7-8pm and Improvisational Percussion performed by the multi-talented Mr. Orisegun Bennett-Olomidun.

This Event will be filmed on March 1st Opening Night by David James. 

Light Refreshments & Cash drinks.

Featuring visual artworks by Naomi Cordova, Robert Billings, Josue Fred, Amy Bryan, Keith Duncan, Gloria Holwerda-Williams, Dorothy Rice, Orisegun Bennett-Olomidun, Naomi Cordova, Tahanie Medina and Tanisha Medina, Helene Ruiz (curator) and Anne Hart Chay (gallery owner).

There are all kinds of games as we all know and they date back to the ancient humans. They are a part of all cultures as one of the oldest forms of human social interaction. They are expressions of play which allow people to go beyond imagination and physical activity. Games include the uncertainty of outcome, rules, competition, chance, goals and also personal enjoyment. Then there are the other types of games such as; the games people tend to play with one another that evade, deceive, or misinform (about something) in order to manipulate them or achieve some desired outcome. There are the games that people can play in order to cheat or deceive another and are dishonest about what they know or intend to do in order to gain an advantage. There are the games of the occult, some that claim to connect us to those that have crossed over and can relay messages between us and those who have passed. Some claim to be able use their game to help you find love, to get what you want or change the course of a foreseen or unforeseen possible outcome. Other games can claim to see future, past or present and intend to direct people in seeing what their future holds, in their decision making and/or to help confirm their intuitions. In this group exhibition we seek to explore the many forms of "games" in different aspects of their meaning or intent by using a variety of mediums and styles. Additionally, the exhibit will also explore the darker side of games such as game addictions, manipulation and the impact it has on society and individuals. So many Games! So who wants to play!?

Curator's Statement:
"My vision for this group art exhibit is to explore the various themes and inspirations behind games in all their forms, including board games, card games, mind games and more. Each artist will use their medium of choice to explore the concept of games and how they relate to our everyday lives. The exhibit will feature a diverse range of mediums, including painting, mixed media, and installations, as well as interactive elements such as playable games. Each artist will be encouraged to push the boundaries of their medium and explore new techniques and styles in order to create thought-provoking and impactful works. Some of the exhibiting artists have collaborated with one another in a game invented by the Surrealists in the 1900s called The Exquisite Corpse. The visual collaboration results will be on exhibit and the written collaborative game result will be read at the end of the poetry performances on March 1st formal opening. We will explain how this exquisite corpse game is played so all can understand the concept, the fun and the beauty of it. At the main reception on March 1st, the exhibit will also include interactive elements, such as game demonstrations and an exquisite corpse written game for the audience to be a part of that will be read once completed during the live poetry. This will further engage viewers and spark conversation. I want to ensure a balance of perspectives, and this exhibition will include both established and emerging artists. By featuring a range of artists, I hope to encourage a dialogue about the importance of games in art and culture and how it reflects on society and individuals.
Through this exhibit, I aim to showcase the power of games to inspire and connect people, and to inspire viewers to see the world through a new lens, and to find the game in their own lives." - Helene Ruiz

Helene Ruiz is an Artist, Activist and She brings her vision of "The Urban Individualists" to Got Game? on display February 2- April 12, 2024 at anne's Visual Art Studio gallery in the Richmond Arts District Historic RVA. Ruiz has exhibited and has been published internationally and nationally. Her artwork is in private collections throughout the U.S. Helene Ruiz currently resides in Richmond, VA.