'State of Shock'

This past presidential election was not your typical "it doesn't really matter to me who becomes president" scenario.

It mattered to everyone: young, old, black, white, Republican, Democrat.

There is no doubt that President Barack Obama's election was a powerful and emotional one.

Artist Fletcher Crossman has always created thought-provoking art inspired by his and others' experiences of our political world. During the years that this British-born artist has lived in Charleston, he has often been viewed as someone who isn't shy about speaking his mind.

Now, a few months prior to his leaving to begin another chapter in his life, Crossman presents an exhibit of things to ponder, including a cast of characters based on the headlines.

"State of Shock" consists of a series of paintings designed to provoke political discussions. He's expecting some controversial responses from viewers as some of the paintings include rather violent scenarios.

"His enormous paintings have addressed some edgy themes in the past, including last year's 15-foot-high female crucifixion scene at the Circular Church," explains Caroline Millard of Eye Level Art. "But 'State of Shock' presents Crossman's most cutting-edge work to date. The British artist wants the paintings to be seen in context."

Crossman feels strongly about this subject and feels it's important for artists to be able to react with their craft.

"There are some disturbing aspects to it," he says, "But real-life events have been spiraling in this direction and I think art has to respond to the real world. Every day we hear about the anger between left and right, and 'State of Shock' takes that anger to its logical conclusion, and asks, 'What then?' "

Mike Elder, owner of Eye Level Art, says the exhibit is not politically motivated but rather a call for temperance in our speech and actions.

"Some of the images are fairly graphic," Elder says, "but this is powerful, provocative work dealing with the issue of anger and its consequences. I think when people see the work, they'll see beyond the controversial aspects and come away with a unique artistic experience. This show is quite unlike anything we've seen in Charleston."

Crossman's viewpoint is more blatant. " 'State of Shock' is like a graphic novel on a huge scale. Each painting is part of the story, and you'll see a cast of characters in there that you'll recognize: Obama, Rush (Limbaugh), (Glenn) Beck. It's a rather surreal snapshot of American public life at the moment."

There will be an opening for "State of Shock" 6-9 p.m. Friday.

On June 2, there will be a panel discussion in which a group of speakers will discuss the issue of anger in American politics.

The speakers include "The Southern Avenger" and Charleston Scene writer Jack Hunter, Richard Todd of "The Morning Buzz," columnist Will Moredock and College of Charleston lecturer Brian McGee.

"State of Shock" is at Eye Level Art, 103 Spring Street. For details, visit www.eyelevelart.com and to see more of Crossman's work, visit www.fletchercrossman.com.