Flying Wall Studios:
The Mechanics of Play
No Land | May 2018
"This used to be the pit cover for the Lensic, and these are set pieces from a Wise Fool production,” says Damon Griffith, gesturing to the floor and walls of his garage. This colorful bricolage houses the wood and metalworking shop for Flying Wall Studios, a puppet production company that Damon co-directs with his wife Sabrina Griffith. Inside their house, the rest of the studio is a patchwork resume for their extensive performing arts background.
From their fantastical headquarters, the Griffiths turn out intricately detailed puppets that blur the lines between toy and sculpture. Their new exhibition at Strangers Collective’s No Land art space, The Mechanics of Play, features an exquisite body of work that lands firmly in the latter category. Still, they’ll never abandon their playful roots: The show’s opening reception will feature puppet demonstrations that encourage visitors to interact with the artworks. “If you don’t play with a puppet, it dies,” says Sabrina.
Press
“The show includes pieces inspired by noir, burlesque, and other themes. In addition to their detailed sets, they are showing a series of eight linked puppets on wheels. The Griffiths have extensive experience in theater and puppeteering.”
-Jennifer Levin, Santa Fe New Mexican
My contributions: Curatorial with Kyle Farrell and Alex Gill, press relations with Alex Gill
Artwork: Sabrina & Damon Griffith of Flying Wall Studios