Arts + Literature Laboratory presents Destruction of Eden : War of the Ghosts, an exhibition by John Hitchcock and Chad Oliver, from September 18, 2023 through November 11, 2023. A reception for this exhibition and Liminal by Monty Little will be held Friday, November 3 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
Destruction of Eden : War of the Ghosts
A conversation between John Hitchcock and Chad Oliver
Set in the metaphysical beauty and historical region of the Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma, a stark contrast to the adjacent military base (Fort Sill) and town of Lawton which is more truck stop than city littered with strip clubs, pawn shops and the goodyear tire factory on the edge.
Hitchcock and Oliver met at Cameron University art school, located in Lawton, Oklahoma, an oasis of culturally like minded folk in this not so cosmopolitan region. They became fast friends working on art, music and general youthful mayhem. Over the course of the last 30 years John and Chad have continued this relationship working on various projects and offering creative support.
Destruction of Eden : War of the Ghosts is a collaborative work that is comprised of drawings, neon, video projection, vinyl wall and glass installations along with a dimensional centerpiece that grounds the show and acts as a respite to the work that draws from the experience of growing up in Lawton-Fort Sill and the Wichita Mountains.
Much of the large drawings along with the ideation of this show were developed during residency in Medicine Park, John's hometown in the Wichita Mountains. During this time they took morning drives and hikes through the region reflecting on the past, embracing the present and contemplating the future of this land with its complicated histories.
After the exhibition opening date, Arts + Literature galleries will be open Tuesdays through Fridays 10:00am to 5:00pm and Saturdays 12:00 noon to 5pm.
