“Dirty Laundry 2”: Art, Repetition, and the Everyday

The Thurston County Museum of Fine Arts is hosting a unique artistic experience, “Dirty Laundry 2,” throughout march at 120 Olympia Ave NE. The multigenerational show, open until March 29, began with an opening ceremony on March 1st from 6-10 p.m.

Exploring Themes of the Mundane and Splendid

“Dirty Laundry 2″ features the work of John and Riley Kendig, JP, Tiffany Glover, Kevin Rainsberry, and Lando.According to a museum news release,”Repetition,domiciliary interest,and pattern lead you through this gallery-turned-abode,” suggesting viewers can expect to see familiar,domestic themes explored through an artistic lens.

Featured Artists and Their Perspectives

The exhibition offers a diverse range of artistic styles and viewpoints. Let’s delve into the minds of some of the featured artists:

Tiffany Glover: Questioning Perception

Glover’s work, titled “A colorful room,” challenges viewers to consider the interplay between imagination and sequence.She asks, “How and where does sequence intersect with imagination? At what point does form become unrecognizable?” Glover’s exploration extends to the nature of artistic merit itself, questioning “When does pattern unveil itself and become interpretive- unaffixed to rule or habitual lineation? What occupies the space between the concrete and abstract?”

John and Riley Kendig: A Father-Son Retrospective

The exhibition includes a retrospective of work by John James Kendig (1964–2006), a legally blind painter, and his son, Riley Kendig (born 1990). John’s work explored themes of “psychedelia, vision, sex, religion, trauma, healthcare institutions, dreams, and more.” This is the first exhibition of John Kendig’s work since his death, offering a poignant look at his artistic legacy and its influence on his son.

JP: Finding Beauty in Neglect

JP focuses on themes of neglect and the beauty found in the discarded.”No supervision: the theme is neglect.Lack of nurturing is a result of love withheld or denied. It is the worst form of recycling,” JP states. The exhibit invites viewers to consider “how to see beauty and function, not for what’s intended, but just how it is.”

Kevin Rainsberry: Embracing the Unkown

Rainsberry’s work speaks to the uncertainty of life and the potential for joy amidst the mundane. As he puts it, “No plan. No common path. What may emerge from the mud and heat and a sky breaking open into this dull and dusty dimension may just bring a joy enough to continue. To sit.”

Landon: The Art of Laundry

Landon’s work explores the frequently enough-overlooked world of laundry and its connection to daily life. He reflects on the repetition inherent in the process, noting, “Repetition is a key element in my latest work… I have worked in the field of a commercial screen printer for 20 years… and every part of the job seems to be about repetition.” He connects the patterns of laundry to broader themes, stating, “Pattern is also a key element that shows up after the repetition… as the same element shows up over and over… patterns start to form…the pattern of doing the laundry…it is an element of a 3D pattern that we can not avoid… or it can disrupt other patterns.” He humorously concludes, “I don’t know if the art I do has anything to do with laundromats or laundry.. but as soon as I start thinking about washer and dryers… I realize that each and all of us have a daily obligation to uphold… and that is to not stink too much.”

Experience “Dirty Laundry 2”

“Dirty Laundry 2” promises to be a thought-provoking and visually stimulating exhibition. don’t miss the opportunity to explore themes of repetition, domesticity, and the beauty found in the everyday. The show runs through March 29th at the Thurston County Museum of fine Arts. Appointment scheduling is available via email at [email protected] or via Instagram DM @tcmofa. Discover the hidden artistry in the mundane; plan your visit today!

What everyday activities or routines do you find yourself repeating, and how do these repetitions inspire yoru creativity or offer insights into lifeS rhythms?

Archyde Interviews Landon: The Art of Laundry and Life’s Repetitive Cycles

Exploring “Dirty Laundry 2” with Artist Landon

the “Dirty Laundry 2” exhibition at the Thurston County Museum of Fine arts offers a unique perspective on the mundane aspects of daily life. Archyde recently spoke with Landon, one of the featured artists, about his work focusing on laundry and its connection to broader themes of repetition and pattern. Let’s delve into Landon’s artistic process and insights.

The Interview

Archyde: landon, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Your work in “dirty Laundry 2” explores the seemingly simple act of doing laundry. Can you tell us what initially drew you to this subject matter?

Landon: Thanks for having me! I think, for me, it started with acknowledging the unavoidable. We all have to do laundry. It’s this persistent task that cycles—pun intended—through our lives.As a commercial screen printer for 20 years, I’m constantly surrounded by repetition. The connection between that rhythm and the constant wash-rinse-dry cycle of laundry just clicked.

Archyde: You mention repetition and pattern as key elements in your work. could you elaborate on how these concepts manifest in your art and connect to your feelings about domestic life?

Landon: Absolutely. Repetition creates pattern; it’s inevitable. Think about it: after doing the same chore over and over, patterns emerge. With laundry, it’s the weekly schedule, the sorting, the folding. These repetitive actions create a pattern, a 3D pattern in our lives. My art tries to visualize that unseen structure. It represents how these seemingly insignificant habits shape our daily lives. What can be seen and not seen in the grand scheme.

Archyde: You have a humorous touch when discussing the necessity of laundry,ending with “not stinking too much.” How important is humor in conveying your artistic message?

Landon: Humor’s crucial! It’s how I relate to others and also how I relate to myself. The irony in a hard working blue shirt.I don’t want my art to wallow only in the deep philosophies of Art. If the approach is too serious, it can alienate people. A bit of levity makes the work more accessible and relatable. It’s just a way to invite viewers to find their own connection to it. It’s something that I truly try to stay away from.

Archyde: The “Dirty laundry 2” exhibition also features artists exploring neglect, the beauty in the discarded, and the joy found in the mundane. As an artist surrounded by these diverse perspectives, what overall message do you hope visitors take away from the show?

Landon: Exactly! That there’s art to be found, even in a world that seems only on the surface to be a boring world. To find beauty and meaning in the ordinary, that’s the challenge. Whether it’s in a pile of unfolded laundry, a discarded object, a commercial pattern, or an unexpected sight, it’s everywhere. I hope people leave “Dirty Laundry 2” with a renewed thankfulness for the small rhythms and details that makeup a life.

Archyde: a thought-provoking question to our readers: What everyday repetition in your life resonates with you the most, and how do you find meaning or artistic inspiration in it? Share in the comments below!

Archyde: landon, thank you for sharing insights into your process and your work. Viewers can see “Dirty Laundry 2” until March 29th at the Thurston County Museum of Fine Arts.