/ˈbäskij/ at R.W. Witt Gallery CSUS

Upon entering the gallery, there is the name of the show which is the phonetic of boscage which means massed trees or shrubs. After closely inspecting the sign, the artists explained to me that they had used black duct tape and Danh Cao carved out the name of the show. 

The gallery was separated by a wall of black plastic to separate the installation. I was told to wait until my eyes adjusted before I walked around. I hadn't waited for my eyes to adjust and almost tripped over a fallen tree on the floor. The floor was covered in white plastic and the trees and logs were made of pvc pipes. The room was warm, I was told afterwards that the floor is heated. There was a faint crackle inside the plastic covered tent that was lit from within, I felt like I was camping. I had the opportunity to experience the installation with others in the room and by myself. I preferred being in there alone, I felt safe and comfortable in that space.

Danh Cao and Dominique Garcia early at the reception greeting visitors. At some point Professors Summer Ventis and Peter William came by to share a story. Apparently Professor Peter Williams came to visit the two and see the progress of the installation before the show was open to public. Danh told him his eyes would adjust to the darkness after awhile, but unfortunately the light in the tent was turned off and he experienced the installation without any source of light. He experienced the installation in complete darkness and by feeling what was in the room.

 Later on in the night a lot more people were starting to show up and I noticed I wasn't the only one having issues coming out of the installation because of the black plastic darkening the installation. It was definitely necessary to create what they did. The way they used black duct tape to keep the plastic staying along the wall and ceilings was very well done.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at this installation. Unfortunately this show has already ended, the reception for this show was on Thursday, January 25, 2018 from 5-8pm. It was definitely worth seeing. I've only known of both Danh Cao and Dominique Garcia's paintings, it was a pleasant surprise to see them making a different type of work.