THE CΔCHE

The show is closed, the lights are down, but the transformation of space that Akira Beard's latest show at Groundswell Gallery activated for the month of June is worth noting. On the main floor of the gallery, dozens of figural drawings hung in dynamic salon style fashion, mimicking the motion inherent in the works. "Life Drawing" by Akira Beard was represented by Groundswell Gallery in the best way possible, in a manner which allowed the artist, his process, and most importantly, the work to be witnessed.  Beard shares in his statement that his current style is a process of unfolding the subconscious. The viewer may see what they see, and what we most notice is dynamism of form, that may be the unfurling  of thought patterns, relationships, dance, sex, etc. Mimesis, or realistic rendering of form which mimics reality, is not the absolute focus of these drawings. The entangled forms reveal body parts, but it clearly represents drawing from life in its abstract and