PENUMBRA:
An Ode to Oceanside in a Time of War,
by Geoffrey Cunningham

March 3 - June 3, 2012
The Gerald and Inez Grant Parker Gallery

In Oceanside, the war is never too far from home. Camp Pendleton has lost more soldiers to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan than any other military base in the US. Yet still, after many wars and many lives lost, the city of Oceanside has no proper memorial to honor them, nor place for residents to take pause, mourn, reflect, and even release the weight of war. Penumbra is a simple gesture from Oceanside artist Geoffrey Cunningham, created as an ode to his hometown in a time of war. The work reflects upon a city living in the grey areas of conflict, unable to deny, and unwilling to accept, always somewhere between light and dark. Cunningham will present a painting installation in the OMA Parker Gallery that creates a quiet place of contemplation and remembrance for all the men and women aboard Camp Pendleton that have lost their lives in the recent wars. Penumbra is guest curated by Irv Simpson.

Geoff Cunningham is an artist and curator with a strong social conscience and love of country and community. He owns and operates Linksoul, a company that is part clothing and design, and part gallery and community events space on Coast Highway in Oceanside.