CLC presents Atrophy of Reality gallery opening 

The Central Lakes College Art Gallery is pleased to present Atrophy of Reality, a multidisciplinary body of work created and curated by CLC Studio Arts Instructor, Casey Hochhalter.  

An artist lecture focused on art making, art philosophy, metacognition, and the mentality of humanity will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 17 in rooms E422 and E354, Brainerd campus. The lecture will be followed by an opening reception and exhibition of work by Hochhalter. He will be available during the exhibition reception to meet and discuss his research and creative process with the public. This event is free and open to the public. 

Hochhalter carries a unique personal perspective and has constructed these works with intentions to raise awareness of neurodivergence and celebrate the multitude of potential cognitive and emotional responses that can be triggered by art. By unraveling the idea of what is real, what is an illusion, and exploring various types of mental health characteristics, Hochhalter focuses on art making and research that breaks away from what is clear and representational of nature as we understand it; requiring more extensive exploration or participation to conclude a clear understanding or conceptual comprehension of such work. In this way, Hochhalter has opened the door for us to experience art with multiple identities and fluid realities, challenging a typical cognitive response through his paintings, prints, drawings and sculptures.   

Atrophy of Reality was designed and curated to allow the viewer to become a participant and have a metacognitive experience that not only provides cognitive value but also activates an emotional response. This gives participants the traditional satisfaction granted when viewing an artwork for its technical characteristics but also offers an inside look at the immensity of imagination and challenges them to confront what it might be like to have their reality flipped upside down.