One trajectory for the term reconnaissance is its use in military functions: the scouting of new realms, potential fields of battle, or terrain of the enemy or others of unknown affiliation. This usage is similar to a vector for the word’s meaning pointing to an initial viewing of a site meant for further or more formal surveying, carving up, and assigning to new purpose. The work selected captures these moments of acknowledgement within new contexts causing the viewer to stop and reevaluate their understanding of what was thought to be familiar. For example, creatures startlingly confronted—out of place or context—or locations half-recognized, partially known, but unexpectedly encountered in new guise, recalling some past moment of trauma, and/or producing the unsettling or unaccountable apprehension of the future.  “Reconnaissance” is curated by Headlands Program Director Brian Karl.

Opening Reception: Sunday, January 19th, 2014. 12-5pm.

“Reconnaissance” is on view through February 23rd, 2014.

For more information visit the Headlands Center for the Arts.