ARCHIE SCOTT GOBBER: CHANGEABLE BILLBOARD

PHOTO, COURTESY MIKI BAIRD

Archie Scott Gobber's new commission for Art through Architecture's (AtA) “Art Achievement” project can be seen above on a pair of converted billboards over the Missouri Bank & Trust Crossroads Branch, @ 125 Southwest Boulevard, in Kansas City, Missouri. (MAP)

Archie Scott Gobber’s two images, to be displayed side-by-side facing east, are adapted from a recent painting by the artist titled “Changeable,” (which can be seen in the upcoming exhibition at Marty Walker Gallery, "there's something I've been meaning to tell you...", opening Saturday, February 21st 6-8pm) which references, and literally illustrates, the buzzword that so pervaded the 2008 presidential election and that represents a sense of optimism for the future. Gobber, who regularly uses text in his work in manners both playful and pointed, here not only alludes to this specific historical moment in American history, but also capitalizes on the nature of the billboard itself as something temporary, to be replaced in the near future with a different message.

“I enjoyed the process of adapting this painting to the billboard format,” -says Gobber.

“The word ‘change’ is powerful, but the word ‘able’ becomes significantly more important in this version. Originally this piece was intended to read ‘Available,’ but as time went on and the election neared, I altered it to the current version. Thus, it was truly ‘changed,’ and the final work captures this idea of "change" as unfinished and in progress.”

To read the rest of the press release, click here for PDF.

ARCHIE SCOTT GOBBER Changeable, 2008
latex and enamel on canvas, 35 x 80 inches