How can we live by anything other than our existing thoughts and perceptions? Francis Baker addresses the struggle for growth through the everyday garden series.

The Shooting Gallery is proud to exhibit the work of Francis Baker this spring in a solo show that is sure to bring this series to the forefront of contemporary art. The everyday garden series is a reflection of the human desire for personal sovereignty. By growing plants within containers he has cast, recording the plant’s life and ultimate suffocation, with stunning large format photographs, Baker presents the conditions of being root bound. "Like the plants I had neglected and which became root bound, so to I was bound to my container…only the container I am pushing against is not solid." By choosing to cast everyday objects representing principle components of western identity Baker presents concepts that can contain and confine a life. The piece confinement of image uses the mold of a Barbie Doll submerged inside a plastic Coca-Cola bottle to represent body image and self esteem as concepts that can confine the self. Another piece, containment of narcissism, the roots conform into an impression of an infants head. This work addresses the desire for biological offspring at any cost as a confining concept.

"Everyday Garden"

by Francis Baker

Reception for the artist March 4, 2004
Open to the press from 5 to 7pm
Open to the public 7 to 11pm

Showing through March 28, 2003
@ The Shooting Gallery
839 Larkin St., near Geary
phone: (415) 931-8035
fax: 415-931-5943
www.shootinggallerysf.com