Observed

When life moves pretty fast, it can be hard to remember to slow down and take in what's around us. In Courtland Blade's exhibition, Observed, Blade focuses on ordinary places around the city, in varying light, weather, and times of day, to offer different perspectives on Indianapolis and opportunities to forge new connections to the city. 

One of Blade's major goals for this show is to define what gives his pieces power. Many have felt awe when standing before an exceptionally large piece, but Blade wanted to express his experience of a place rather than its size. "[He] decided the work didn't need to be 'bigger' to be powerful," and instead, focused on the message he was trying to say about a place—"I committed to painting Indianapolis as I experience it (not as I thought it should look).

Because of this, you'll notice different moods throughout the show. While each piece spotlights a space in the city, some are calm, others energetic, and some even nostalgic. Things like cropping, light direction, and small contrasts "are the 'emotional cues' that tell you how [Blade] felt standing there." Overall, these things work together to reflect a feeling of groundedness. 

Of course, the paintings are personal to Blade, but he emphasized they're meant to be shared. He acknowledged "everyone has their own map of the city," consisting of places that shaped them, that they remember and come back to. It's likely a piece will spark a memory of your Indianapolis, and he hopes it does. 

Observed works to remind us "that there's beauty and meaning in the places we usually pass by without noticing." As you continue to venture through the city, I encourage you to move with intention, letting yourself soak up the present moment and find joy in the places you're in.