Before the Sun Dies, Part 1 “Tempest Horizon”
Shooting Gallery Presents:
Before the Sun Dies, Part 1
“Tempest Horizon”
The Shooting Gallery is pleased to present Before the Sun Dies, Part 1 “Tempest Horizon,” an exhibition by San Francisco-based artist, C3. The exhibit is the artist’s second show with The Shooting Gallery, following a solo show at Gallery Three, and will include twenty pieces, with the majority being smaller 3×5” works along with a few larger 16×20” and 18×24” pieces. The opening reception for Before the Sun Dies, Part 1 “Tempest Horizon,” will be held at The Shooting Gallery on Saturday, November 12, 2024 from 7-11pm. The exhibit will be on display through December 3, 2024 and is free and open to the public.
Before the Sun Dies, Part 1 “Tempest Horizon” is a look into the darkly captivating world C3 has brought to life through his delicately detailed works. Acting as the first part in a trilogy, Before the Sun Dies builds upon the introduction C3’s previous shows In Search of New Land and 777 had introduced. Inspired by old Westerns and the Wizard of Oz, the show embodies a film sensibility, with many of the smaller pieces set up like stills one might see used to introduce the main characters in a movie. It’s a fitting design for a concept that will only completely unfold further in the future.
C3’s tightly executed graphite drawings capture the ghostly quality of antique portraits, with beautiful features and an elegant surface. Visages are captured with a sensitivity that highlights the fear and anxiety of looking out into a harsh and sometimes bleak world. Throughout the body of work we’re only allowed glimpses of the dusty interiors and open plains the people in these portraits inhabit, but even in these small patches there is the feeling of a lawless wilderness seeping in. The drawings, both modeled from life figures and old photographs, seem not of our time yet strangely familiar- almost recognizable; snapshots of a land alternatively soothed and torn by unknown forces, divided in ways we can’t quite guess.
From the Artist:
“With this trilogy I wanted to explore the world as it is thrown into a state of chaos. The first part is the beginning of a struggle between aristocratic cult leaders and a small group of anti-heroes. They all worship the sun and human sacrifice is a main part of their religion. I don’t want to get too specific on the meanings behind everything. That would take all the fun out of it for the viewer. My goal was to create a body of work that remains mysterious throughout. Yes there are two groups at war with one another, however when you see the work you’re not sure who is on who’s side. This is how it is with life as well, and the reason why I portray the characters this way.”
Tulsa, Oklahoma native Christoper C. Curtis lives and works in San Francisco. Known for his photorealistic renderings, C3 creates striking works drawn together by an over-arching narrative that explores a land filled with uncertainty and danger. As a graduate from the Academy of Art, C3 has exhibits throughout the bay area, including solo shows at Gallery Three, Babylon Falling and Shooting Gallery.
The Shooting Gallery opened its doors in 2024 to the historic Tenderloin district of San Francisco; known for its lively street culture. Growing up in Southern California gave owner and curator, Justin Giarla, a love for everything lowbrow: pop art, street art, outsider art, punk rock album art, comic book art, surf/skate art and hot rod culture. Giarla recognizes how important it is to provide lowbrow artists with a platform for their work, which is exactly what Shooting Gallery has done for nearly a decade.