Chase Halland's "Bear"

    Lurking in a corner between brazen, feministic photography and alluring, hypnotic pieces, Chase Halland’s “Bear”, in its conservative manner and 2-D stature, might have easily been overlooked by Terrain’s attendees. However as I entered the lower gallery room of its inhabitance both Thursday and Friday evenings, the “Bear” was the first thing that caught my eye and held it. In Halland’s use of varying colored and textured paper, the piece was not only aesthetically engaging but also thought provoking. Being a bit of a craft enthusiast myself, I instantly inquired about his construction of the piece; wanting to know the ways in which he collaged the paper, as well as if he produced its digital images himself or purchased it that way. The piece’s name tag failed to provide any answers but nonetheless I enjoyed its mystery; observing his quality collage construction. So much so, that I think I annoyed my accompanying friends with my praise of the artwork’s excellence.

    Thriving in Halland’s charming use of warm colors, spreading flowered shapes, and reaching lines, “Bear” breathed of the bold graphics of a propaganda poster and moving energy of portrait art. Compared to the really, really modern art it complemented in the show, “Bear” hinted more towards the classic, traditional beauty in its details. The eye could not summarize the whole piece in a single look. The paper appeared recycled with former lines, shapes, and writing. There were flowing ‘leaves’ behind the blatant lines. All these details wove together to create the power and strength of the artwork, of the “Bear’s” rising roar.  Maybe this was why I held this piece above the rest; rather than trying to promote a confusing message, it merely displayed the captivating beauty of the bear’s cry. A simple, capturing purpose explained best by Halland’s own words found on the Boarders for Christ website, “ I believe we were all created by God, I believe that we are called to use your talents whatever that may be to glorify and worship God. Painting is just that, my way to glorify God through the one way I know best, the one way I can completely express my love for Him. It’s my way of worshiping. I am The Creator’s creation and I was created to create.”