The Strangler Fig Strikes Back is an installation of drawing, sculpture and sci-fi memories. Inspired particularly by tales in which a magical or spiritually enhanced tree plays a part, the artist will be present in the space working around and underneath her own sculpture of a strangler fig (banyan tree). She will be completing a large scale drawing that blends and confuses portions of science fiction narratives with her own memories of experiencing them. Viewers will be invited into the space during specified times to have their portrait drawn as the sci-fi/fantasy persona of the artist’s choosing. The portraits will accumulate and remain in the space for the duration of the exhibition.

Carda Burke is a California-born artist living and working in Brooklyn, New York. Inspiration and source material for her work is drawn from adventure, horror, and science fiction stories. How these stories are told and shared, how they influence the real sensibilities of their consumers are central concerns in her work. She obtained her MFA from Hunter College in 2007.

Installation viewable from the street: December 7th to 29th, 11am – 8pm

Opening Reception: Friday, December 10th, 7-9pm

Drawing dates: Wednesday’s, Friday’s & Sunday’s, December 10, 12, 17, 19, 22 Noon to 7pm December 15, Noon to 5pm

Closing Reception Wednesday, December 29th 7-9

more info: www.chashama.org

This exhibit is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.