“In a Land Far, Far Away …” With this magic carpet of an opening line, the master storyteller promises an escape to a land where anything is possible, where euphoria and terror play tug-of-war. It’s an apt title for the new exhibition at District of Columbia Arts Center.
In 40 spellbinding works, four storytellers use image in place of words; the viewer fills in the plot. There lies the downside: We yearn for the artists to spin their yarns, from backstory to climax. We want to know, literally, “What were they thinking?”
Dream-colored works of dark intrigue reveal Laurel Hausler’s love of literature. “I’m a huge fan of Shirley Jackson and Flannery O’Connor,” says the Alexandria artist, who works large on canvas in oil, sometimes adding wax and old book pages. Like these authors, Hausler subtly portrays the horror, beauty and awkwardness lurking in the edges of everyday life.
In Hausler’s time-stoppers dwell mystery and aberration. “The Quiet Place” recalls her New England visit to the ruins of an abandoned village in the woods — where visitors claim to hear a ghostly clatter of carriages and buzz of voices.
True crime inspired “Surprise and The Canary.” The artist came across a 19th-century photo of a young woman.
“Her face looked innocent, maybe a little ecstatic” — belying the heinous act she had committed. Hausler nails the incongruence in one novel and mesmerizing take.
The other artists also drill deep into the imagination, retrieving places, characters and fragments of experiences. John Lancaster’s pen, ink and watercolor dream worlds include a most wonderful go-carting “Holy Roller.” Gregory Ferrand drops clues like breadcrumbs in the titles of his acrylics, such as “One Day I’ll Get It Right.” Brooke Rogers exposes “Invisible Cities.”
With their rich unspoken narratives, several works beg for a second chapter — even an illustrated novel. But for now, this adult storytime will transport you to places you won’t soon forget.
In a Land Far, Far Away
On view to Feb. 11
» Venue: District of Columbia Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW
» Tix: Free
» Info: 202-462-7833; www.dcartscenter.org
