One Fine Mess by Bob Bingham

PITTSBURGH – Carnegie Mellon University School of Art Undergraduate students in Advanced Sculpture: Altering the Existing course, present an exhibition in South Side’s oldest church located at 20 South 14th Street. This converted church is owned by Jayne Reilly and serves as a private costume design studio for her daughter Cassandra Reilly. In one of the first uses of this versatile and epic interior as a venue, they are glad to lend it to Carnegie Mellon, for transformation into an exhibition hall, rich with an aura that transcends time and place. Ten artists from Carnegie Mellon have intervened in this space filled with 19th century objects, antique furniture, stained glass windows, and vintage garments by creating an eclectic installation that infuses sculpture, painting, video, and performance. Jayne, a long-time supporter of the arts and culture in Pittsburgh along with her other daughter Brittany Reilly, an independent curator, intend to continue its use for select events related to design, film, culinary experiments, and performance, supporting a range of artistic practices and emerging talent in Pittsburgh, as well as hosting projects from international artists and musicians. “One Fine Mess” will open on April 30th, for one day only from 4:00pm – 9:00pm.
BACKGROUND
In “One Fine Mess,” artists explore the relationship between self, society, and the environment by deconstructing sustainable found materials. Artists delve into concepts of identity, childhood, ritual, and infinity creating a sacred installation space where one will become encapsulated by sculptural memorials.
Curated by Zahra Ahmed and Tara Helfer, “One Fine Mess” offers viewers creations that evoke, lure, stimulate, and absorb them as well as stir reflection and open-mindedness in a multisensory environment.