Brew House Space 101 Gallery announces their first Prospectus Series exhibit of the 2007-2008 gallery season: “Prospectus I: Humongulous.” “Humongulous” showcases an exhibition confronting definitions of identity through the works of Maria Mangano, Jairan Sadeghi, and Charlie Wright as well as an exhibition of works from Julius Houser presented in conjunction with the Independent Living Initiative (ILI). ILI is a program through the Executive Office of Allegheny County Department of Human Services. The ILI assists youth, ages 16-24, who are or have been in an out-of-home placement through Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth and Families. Seven ILI staff provide individualized services, such as assistance with post-secondary preparation and planning, job readiness, housing and a mentoring program.

Opening: Friday, January 11, 2008 from 7 -10 pm, FREE
2100 Mary Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Exhibition run: Friday, January 11, 2008 – Febraury 23, 2008
Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday 1-4 pm
Wednesday 6-9 pm
Thursday 6-9 pm
Saturday 12-6 pm

Bio, Maria Mangano is a native of Syracuse, New York. She earned her BFA from Carnegie Mellon University and lives and works in Pittsburgh. Her work is influenced by the natural world and its manifestations in museums, art, and academia.

Bio, Jairan Sadeghi earned her BFA from Carnegie Mellon University. She has exhibited at SPACE Gallery, the Brewhouse, and Modern Formations Gallery.

Bio, Charlie Wright is a freelance illustrator and designer living in Pittsburgh. He is originally from Oakland, California and came to Pennsylvania to attend Carnegie Mellon’s BFA program.

Artist Statement, Maria Mangano, Jairan Sadeghi, and Charlie Wright:

We confront definitions of identity–those we endeavor to establish individually, and also those that are imposed upon us by cultural institutions: our relationship with the natural world is filtered through the dusty lens of academia, which champions antiquated attitudes; the media manipulates our self-perceptions and usurps our ability to locate ourselves in society; conventional nationalisms contend with the ethnic “other”, and raise questions about family and purpose. Through our art-making, we react to these forces and exemplify our own agency in forming our identities.

Special Projects Gallery:

Bio, Julius Houser Sixteen year-old Julius Houser is a junior at Northgate High School. At age eight he was dissatisfied with the rigidity of his Christmas gift toys so he reached for the available bread-bag twisters. What emerged from his imagination was a supremely flexible action figure. Young Julius was impressed by the creative forces these manipulations revealed. He made more. He shared his collection of figures with his third grade art class. The whole group erupted into applause at the display of these powerful little men. Recognizing Julius’ gift, the teacher supplied him with yards of telephone wire. From those simple strands Julius crafted creatures real, mimicked, and imagined. Displayed here is a sample of Julius Houser’s action figures: powerful super heroes, King Kong, Godzilla, a dragon, even a fairy princess.

Artist Statement, Julius Houser:

Thought experiments about the power of movement within physical and social structures drive creation of these action figures. Each design is a fantastic expression of this concept. Each piece grows outward from a strong, flexible core. Intentionally constructed for play, they can be maneuvered. Pick one up. Hold it. Arrange it. Let your imagination fly with it.
About the Brew House Association:
The Brew House Association is located at the corner of 21st and Mary Streets in historic South Side. Berw House Space 101 activities are free and open to the public. The Brew House Association is a 501c(3) Nonprofit Organization.

The Brew House Association
2100 Mary Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Phone: 412.381.7767