IRIDESCENCE
Transformer’s Annual FlatFile Storefront Exhibition
Installation by Kara Harley
December 4, 2021 – January 15, 2022
FlatFile Pop-Up Events: December 4 & 18, 1–4pm
Iridescence, a storefront installation by artist and Transformer Program Assistant, Kara Harley. Featuring artworks currently in Transformer’s FlatFile program, Iridescence reflects upon naturally occurring light phenomenon, and conceptually relates to the ethereal human experience.
Exhibition Hours: Thursday – Saturday 1-6pm, and by appointment. Masks are required to enter Transformer.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Through Harley’s installation and selection of artworks from Transformer’s FlatFile, the artist explores how the internal light often referred to as our soul, or spirit, is synonymous with an iridescent light that is never fixed, and constantly morphing and obscuring itself to align with new perspectives. Transformer’s final exhibition of 2021 demonstrates the resiliency of artists, highlighting the similar ways both artists and light refract and shift in reaction and response to their environment.
In manifesting iridescence through her storefront installation, Harley reminds viewers about their resiliency:
“Energy is communal, continuously being recycled - flowing through your being to then be released back to the universe. Your inner light is never dimming, only enhancing, showing true resilience and adaptability. Change is inevitable and the future is unknown, but do not allow the fear and anxiety of what is to come to defer your true judgement. You will always shine.”
– Kara Harley
As Transformer approaches its 20th anniversary in 2022, this installation acknowledges the growing community of emerging curators and arts organizers that we support, as well as the diversity of artists participating in our evolving FlatFile program. Established in 2007 by Transformer’s Executive & Artistic Director Victoria Reis, and grown by Transformer exhibition & program staff in the years since, our evolving FlatFile collection of 400+ artworks supports more than 40+ local, national, and international artists.
To view the artworks featured in Iridescence, and to see all the artworks in currently in the FlatFile, please visit Transformer’s FlatFile online store.
Saturday, December 4, 2–4pm: Opening Reception
An outdoor pop-up sale featuring works from the FlatFile, presented in partnership with Logan Circle Main Street. Available artworks in a variety of mediums including: photography, printmaking, painting, drawing, and mixed media works on paper; prices range from $30-$500. Light refreshments will be served outside.
Saturday, December 18, 1–4pm: FlatFile Pop-up Event
An indoor/outdoor (weather permitting) pop-up sale featuring works from the FlatFile, presented inside of Transformer. Available artworks in a variety of mediums including: photography, printmaking, painting, drawing, and mixed media works on paper; prices range from $30-$500. Masks are required inside.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Kara Harley is an emerging interdisciplinary visual artist and arts administrator. Her works span in mediums from painting, illustration, printmaking, to film photography. Born and raised within the DC/Maryland region, Harley earned her BA in Studio Art with a minor in Humanities Health & Medicine at the University of Maryland. Her work as been shown at the Cartelloni Gallery and Laboratorio Firenze at the Studio Art College International in Florence, Italy. She has also worked closely with the gallery directors from Studio Gallery (Washington, DC) and the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery (Washington, DC) leading to the co-curation of Peace in Ambiguity (2020), Studio Gallery’s end of the year collaborative exhibition. In her role as Program Assistant at Transformer (Washington, DC), Harley assists in the design, installation, and curation of exhibitions. Through her work, Kara hopes to create an indescribable connection and familiar resonation with one’s spirit.
