Artwork copyright Christian French. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Christian French. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2021.

Artwork copyright Christian French. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2021.

Artwork copyright Christian French. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2021.

Backstage, 2007

Christian French

Location: Pioneer Elementary School, Shelton

About the Artwork

Backstage is part of Christian French's "Altrove" series. He created the series during a 2007 residency at Elsewhere, a former thrift store in Greensboro, North Carolina. He notes, "I couldn't find any good sunlight indoors, so I gathered shiny and reflective things. Pretending I was a Director, I staged an opera about a spool of thread and it's adventures and encounters." This artwork is part of a curated collection by Dawna Holloway in May 2021 at Pioneer Elementary, in Shelton, Western Washington. Holloway’s focus is the mystery of this world we find ourselves in together. Art can show us the world around us, as well as new ways of looking. Art is a tool and a language to express our vision of the world. These art examples remind us that art and its expression is always available to all of us.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Pioneer School District.

About the Artist

Christian French is a Seattle-based artist who creates photographs and mixed-media installations. His subject matter is often staged from found materials and thrift store finds. He has served as a member of SOIL artist collective, a board member of Allied Arts, executive director of ArtSpace Seattle, and as an artist-in-residence for Sound Transit.