Alex Podesta and Adam Walls are two of 11 artists selected to exhibit in the second installment of JCSM’s biennial Out of the Box: A Juried Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition. 

A water feature sculpture of two men in bunny suits

Alex Podesta

New Orleans, Louisiana

Self-Portrait as Bunnies (The Bathers),  2014

Mixed media floating sculpture

Artist Statement:

In all of my recent work I have culled the rich fantasies, daydreams, misconceptions and experiences of childhood and re-contextualized them through the filters of adulthood, experience and education. This effort has been made in an attempt to plumb the depths of the creative and comprehensive naiveté of youth; to illustrate, in engaging and serio-comic ways, the role of fantasy, “othering” and conflict in nascent self-awareness; and, through the time honored tradition of solipsistic navel gazing, to pick gently at the loose thread of wistful escapism inherent in a quiet, down hill slide into maturity.

Adam Walls

Hope Mills, North Carolina

Core 3,   2014
Steel

Artist Statement:

The majority of my sculpture is concept driven and is often highly viewer interactive. The conceptual component of my work is often derived from some memory that was stirred by the shape of some found object, or from some memento that I have held on to since childhood. These things bring up thoughts and experiences that challenge me and guide me through the creative process. There are elements in much of my larger works that are derived from my love of fantasy, escapism, and pop-culture imagery.

See more of their work at our Museum Homecoming Tailgate on Friday, October 2, to celebrate the opening of Out of the Box! The community-wide event is open to all ages, and will include sculpture tours, art and family activities, a tiger bounce house for kids, a grand prize giveaway, and delicious food and beverage options from local favorites. Guest artist and juror Willie Cole will announce the three top prizewinners from among the 11 finalists during the event!

Out of the Box is made possible in part with funds provided by Julian Robert Haynes, in memory of Dr. Lucile McGehee Haynes, Grace and David E. Johnson, and the Susan Phillips Educational Gift Fund.
A portion of the finalists’ honoraria for the 11 finalists is supported by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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