Monday, February 7, 2011

Dreaming of Atlanta at Dodekapus


Saturday night entailed an evening of art, music, and expression as hosted by a newly developed artist collective: Dodekapus. Breaking away from traditional means of a gallery space and art celebration, Dodekapus hosted art, music, performances, and installations from many of Atlanta's finest during their event "I Can Dream All Day." I missed last year's celebration and made it a point to make sure I didn't miss this one.

Entering the Relapse Theater warehouse space, my initial experience was one that was magical. I was greeted by potions and abstract characters roaming around the crowded, bizarre environment that was Dodekapus. Perfomances included bands, DJs, dancing, gymnastics and just about any form of performance you can imagine.

The event celebrated the journey of dreaming and all of the experiences that relate to dreams including fantasy, lucid dreaming, the past, present and future, sleep paralysis, and nightmares. As one could imagine, the possibilities for the evening were endless.

Dodekapus was definitely a unique experience for Atlanta and perhaps more of what Atlantans should be embracing in the art community: Free expression, liberation of the arts, and an open mind. It does seem that our fixation on galleries and concentrated art market has yet to expand to such an area of freedom and vitality. Dodekapus offered a new insight into what's brewing around Atlanta and presents the hope that we may just be breaking out of our shell when it comes to the somewhat conservative art market that structures the community. It's about time Atlanta Artists take back their territory and make their presence reverberate throughout the city. Besides, we get to say what goes on here when it comes to what we're creating. Not the galleries. Not the buyers. The Artists.

Here's to Dodekapus.

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