My friends Melissa Diaz and Danny Coeyman have come together with MakeSHIFT, a show curated by Lisa Wicka at the Patti and Rusty Reuff Galleries, Purdue University.

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Danny’s work presents evidence of an encounter. Through portraiture and performance, participation is encouraged. Everyday objects are presented as a sort of visual trace, documenting this exchange. I especially love his plaster handshake, titled Warm Up – the artist and guest clasp hands as the plaster heats and hardens. I imagine the warmth of touch and the forced closeness; this gesture is so nice.

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Hop on over to Danny’s tumblr for a video documenting the performance, Ouija Drawings: Hold a pen with a partner. Draw each other’s hands.

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Melissa has constructed a temporary habitat, a safe space for creation and dreaming. Viewers take part in the creation of the work by weaving and tying pieces chosen from a wall of supplies. I’m drawn to the synthetic materiality of plastics and fabrics alongside the organic forms and live plants. I would love to spend an evening in this colorful hut telling stories and remembering.

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Melissa runs the community art series Open House Brooklyn and curates a very beautiful personal blog.

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I’m so happy for the success of such kind and talented people.