Mettle Martyr

Mar 19 2021 - Apr 8 2021

A Solo Exhibition featuring the works of: A.L. Lummus

Bitfactory Gallery presents Mettle Martyr, a solo exhibition featuring works by A.L. Lummus running March 19 through Apr 8, 2021. In this show, Lummus wraps her social commentary about society’s worship of female self-sacrifice in bright, frivolous images that harken to the late-50’s and early sixties as a means to help her message be more palatable and accessible. She uses mixed media 2d works as well as installation and a short film to create a small, sardonic celebration of the “ultimate American feminine.” The public is invited to an Opening Reception at the gallery, 815 N Santa Fe Dr, on Friday, March 19 from 6-9 pm and during regular hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and by appointment. Masks are required to enter the gallery at all times.

In defining the thesis of the show Lummus explains “While gender equality has made significant strides, it remains that the ‘good’ American woman is a martyr. She sacrifices for image, for material, for children, for man. She is left with only our culture’s shared permission to be woman. Society’s worship of female self-sacrifice continues to permeate modern American culture, regardless of its futility.” The installation portion will include several mannequins, engaged in obnoxiously traditional feminine activities, covered with mirrored lacquer in which the viewer can interact and see themselves as “The Cutest American Martyr.” The goal is to have attendees to reflect on themselves as the muted protagonist, the consummately undervalued woman, the “unimportant” half of our nation. This commentary will also be expressed through a short film that will run at the exhibit. Lummus aims to leave attendees with a chuckle, a smile, and a broadened consciousness.

A.L. Lummus works as a full-time artist in Denver, Colorado. Her metaphor-heavy imagery and commission pieces showcase an innovative style, strength in realism, and stark compositions. Her use of a limited color palette forces the viewer into an authentic response to the image itself, rather than the color.

Bitfactory Gallery, located at 851 N Santa Fe Drive in the heart of Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe, exhibits work by the best emerging and up-and-coming local, national, and international visual artists. It strives to showcase art that may not be a good fit for other galleries. Additionally, they host one major or renowned artist a year, bringing new and exciting work to Denver. The Bitfactory building also houses artist studios with the vision of providing a helpful, friendly atmosphere for artists to work solo or collaborate with others as well as the pop-up space the Garage at Bitfactory. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and by appointment. For additional information please contact Bill Thomason at info@bitfactory.net or (303) 862-9367.