Transformer Gallery is a little pocket of a gallery in the D.C. Arts community, but great things come in small packages. The intimacy of the small space creates an intense experience for visitors. The open floor plan is cozy without being claustrophobic. It allows visitors to interact with each piece without bumping in to the next one or each other. 
"With a focus on emerging artists, having a small space really allows artists to focus on the work they want to do, rather than having to fill a large space, which can be a lot of pressure," said Executive and Artistic Director Victoria Reis.
Their latest exhibition, "Geoffrey Aldridge: Hole in the Wall" looks at the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
The gallery began working with Aldridge in the spring, presenting his brick project as part of Transformer's participation in "NO SOUL FOR SALE- A Festival of Independents" in New York. Using actual bricks he painted yellow with red straps to mimic shoes, Aldridge placed the objects all around the Stonewall Inn and filmed people interacting with them.
The largest installation is "Pendulum," a yellow brick road of sorts that runs up the gallery wall, evoking the transformation of the gay rights movement over the years. Bricks are only a part of Aldridge's exhibit at Transformer, however. Reis said he "started exploring bigger themes related to struggle within the gay community as an artist, as an individual, and struggles overall that gay people have with societies still."
A short video, "Drag" shows Aldridge struggling under the weight of cinder blocks wrapped in brown faux fur draped like a stole. Unfortunately, the grunts and pained expressions as he shifts under the weight border on distractingly funny. When taken with the actual "Stole" on display in the front window, however, the weight of meaning becomes much more clear. The three bricks are real, and the average cinderblock weighs around 43 pounds.
The other video, "Hanky Panky" is the most striking piece in the show. Quietly in the corner, a monitor shows Aldridge rolling up and stuffing light blue bandannas in his mouth. Silent except for occasional coughing or restrained gagging, the video is a poignant commentary on the bandanna code system used in the gay community. Light blue bandannas signify wanting to give or receive oral sex. At the end of the 14 minute loop he stands up with the bandannas still in his mouth -39 of them, said Reis- and turns around to stuff a final one in his pocket, showing the code on display.
Under the monitor in an angelic pool of soft light hangs a solitary bandanna.
Named "Gallery opening of the week" by the Washington Post (Friday, November 20, 2009), Transformer's intense exhibition "Hole in the Wall" is a must-see. Like its electrical namesake, Transformer is a powerhouse in D.C.'s Arts scene with good reason.
In addition to its mission as a "supportive and professional platform for emerging artists to explore and present experimental artistic concepts, build audiences for their work and advance their careers," Transformer reaches out in to the Arts community in D.C. and abroad. This year alone, artists at Transformer have also shown at the Phillips Collection, and the gallery partnered with the Cultural Institute of Mexico.
The Washington Citypaper named Transformer one of the Best Small Art Galleries of 2009.
"Geoffrey Aldridge: Hole in the Wall" runs through December 26, 2009.
Transformer is a short walk east on 14th St. from Metro's Dupont Circle station on the Red Line, or north on 14th St. from the McPherson Square station on the Orange/Blue Line. There are many great restaurants and theaters nearby making Transformer part of a perfect evening in the Dupont and Logan Circle neighborhoods.
Transformer
1404 P St NW
Washington, D.C.
202.483.1102
info@transformergallery.org
http://www.transformergallery.org
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