“Into the Woods”
770 West Grand ave, Oakland
On view January 23- February 22, 2025
If a group of artworks can capture the look, feel, and even the smell of being deep in the heart of a forest, then “Into the Woods” at GearBox Gallery delivers this experience with impressive depth. This group show offers a mix of large-scale woodcuts, atmospheric sculptures, and an unexpected installation that shifts the mood entirely. It’s a celebration of the gallery’s 10th anniversary on the Oakland art scene, bringing together the works of artists who convey the natural world and our complex relationship with it.
Harry Clewans’ intricate woodcuts create a hauntingly atmospheric backdrop for the show. The bold scale and detailed depictions of the forest pull the viewer into a world of shadows and layered textures. The works set a vivid tone, inviting a quiet immersion into the environment of the woods. Nearby, Linda Elinwood’s ephemeral sculptures of found objects contrast with the static nature of the woodcuts, evoking a sense of impermanence and the fleeting beauty of the natural world.
As afternoon light pourEd through the gallery windows, the space became alive with long shadows that further deepened the forest-like atmosphere. TaVee McAllister’s forest scene collages, scattered throughout the gallery, draw the eye and complement the show’s theme with their earthy tones and layered compositions. One standout piece, a painting by Christine Ferrouge depicting children leaning against a log, holding toy arms, is framed in autumnal hues. The childlike innocence of the scene captures the nostalgia and simplicity of nature while hinting at underlying darkness.
So far, all the works adhered to the expected aesthetic of a forest-themed show. However, things took a sharp turn toward the back of the gallery, where a striking installation by Rachel Major derailed the quiet walk in the woods that had been building. Titled “Game Room,” the piece is an arresting surprise, one that might confuse or delight in equal measure. Amidst the natural imagery, this installation looks almost like a feast for furries.
Plush, hand-sewn sausages dangle from the ceiling, and soft, cut “meats” hang gently in one corner. The room feels like a meat locker, with shelves displaying woolen intestines and pillowy roasts. A strange, visceral scene, and one that immediately grabs attention. My first impulse was to want to hug or squish a few of these pieces like a teddy bear; they looked so cuddly and soft, adding to the intrigue. But as I approached a hanging beef leg, I noticed a detail: the zipper on the piece was shaped like an adorable flower. This odd combination of cuteness and discomfort draws the viewer in and forces a reconsideration of our relationships with food. It’s a piece that beckons questions: What is food, really? How do we feel about the things we consume?
Rachel Major’s artist statement on her website further illuminates the work’s intent: “Rachel explores our complex, often fraught relationship with food using sculpture, painting, and photography.” This piece certainly brings those ideas to the forefront, using beauty and discomfort to challenge and seduce the viewer’s senses.
“Into the Woods” isn’t just a collection of nature-inspired works—it’s a celebration of GearBox Gallery’s continued presence in Oakland. The exhibition also features work by other member artists, including Jules Campbell, Mittie Cuetara, Christine Ferrouge, Eileen Starr Moderbacher, Joni Marie Theodorsen, and Jamie Treacy. While the gallery space is filled with serene depictions of nature, Rachel Major’s “Game Room” boldly shakes up the experience with its unexpected materials and stark commentary on food and consumption.
This show is a sensory experience worth seeing. With a striking balance of beauty and discomfort, “Into the Woods” invites the viewer to reconsider the ways we interact with nature, art, and even our own senses. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this thought-provoking exhibition.
