Blog
Home / Blog — The archive

The archive

Everything laid out from beginning to end, but not necessarily in that order

INTERSECTION, no. 2

INTERSECTION, no. 2, is here! If you want a free copy all you have to do is ask! If you missed issue no. 1, those are still available too.

INTERSECTION no. 2

 

muse exhibition opens in Raleigh, NC

muse poster

Raleigh art collector Geraldine Bryan is proud to present muse, an intimate solo exhibition of new work by artist luke kurtis. Please join us at Community United Church of Christ (814 Dixie Trail in Raleigh) on Saturday, March 9, from 2-4 PM for the exhibition opening and to hear the artist discuss his work in a casual setting. The exhibition will remain on view until 20 April and is viewable by appointment (call 919-787-6422 or 919-787-8494).

muse is a series of never-before-exhibited digital collage prints that evolved out of the artist’s Jordan’s Journey project. Through a detailed process combining both digital and analogue techniques, kurtis probes the areas of spirituality, history, science, and fashion. Where Jordan’s Journey explored the idea of personal and collective memory through the lens of genealogical history, the muse series hones in on a sense of alternate reality. The muse images approach the symbolism of tarot cards or even religious icons yet function beyond that realm. The muses possess a psychedelic fashion sense while layers of scientific and technical imagery bring a sci-fi element to the works. These pieces illustrate the artist’s evolving technique and highlight his vision of a new world where spirituality and science are integrated aspects of the human experience.

luke kurtis (also known as Jordan M. Scoggins) is a Georgia-born interdisciplinary artist focusing on the intersection of photography, writing, and design. He lives and works in New York’s Greenwich Village.

Geraldine Bryan is a long-time art collector and Raleigh resident. She was a docent at the North Carolina Museum of Art for 18 years and is pleased to present the Raleigh debut of kurtis’s work.

INTERSECTION, no. 1

one of my new projects this year is an ongoing zine. the first issue of INTERSECTION is available now. want a copy? all you have to do is let me know!

intersection no. 1

relativity

luke kurtis's poster design concept for Philip Glass's "Einstein on the Beach"

writing about the emotional component of creativity–whether expressing your own art or experiencing the art of others–can be a difficult task. the experience of creativity impacts you in a way beyond everyday thought and reason. the very poem i posted here recently was about such an experience. i could not write about Madonna’s MDNA concert as if it were a mere review (besides, my friend Brian already wrote more than sufficient coverage if you’re looking for that kind of perspective). like in my ghazal, religious imagery is often the only way i can describe my most profound experiences of art.

Read More

ghazal (like a prayer)

like a prayer

i floated there, my face quivering with waves of prayer,
the sound washed over us like only the sound of prayer.

the chosen few. the lucky ones. only the faithful
know what it means to be blessed by the hand of god’s prayer.

our chant rose towards heaven in a chorus of light and
the veil of incesnse opened the world between here and prayer.

Read More

Jordan’s Journey art show

I’m pleased to announce a new solo art show of my photography from the Jordan’s Journey project. It opens Tuesday, 5 June 2012, in Summerville, Georgia at the Summerville Library. I will be presenting a lecture that night at 6pm as part of the show. For those who can’t make it in the evening I am also presenting a lecture the day before at 2pm at the LaFayette-Walker Public Library. This marks the first outing for my art work in my native state (and first show under the name Jordan M. Scoggins).

I hope you will come out to say hello and check out my work.

Poster for the Jordan’s Journey exhibition and lectures. Designed by luke kurtis.

flow

i haven’t posted a lot on this site for a while since most of my time and energy over the past two to three years has gone into the Jordan’s Journey book. while the book is finished the project is ongoing and still under way. but I’ve been a wellspring of creativity lately. i regularly post Instagrams, and did a little painting recently as well. i’ve also got a number of larger works in progress. for Jordan’s Journey be on the lookout for some video pieces (as well as the weekly posts i’m writing). a collaboration project with painter Michael Tice is under way, as is a a book project. i’m also working with author Brian Centrone on some projects. i even wrote a new short story. ideas are flowing. or maybe it’s just anticipation for spring. but whatever the origin, i’m at my best when creativity comes forth.Read More

new site design

things have been relatively quite around here for a while. it’s all with good reason as i’ve been working on a special project. i’ve tweeted (@lukekurtis) bits about the project here and there. watch for the big announcement soon. in the meantime, enjoy the new design here at my home base. be sure to check out the portfolio section where you will find a few “new” images and maybe a few old favorites.

if you like the new design, click the Facebook “like” button and tweet a link too!

luke kurtis new web site design