Coppere Ford, AKA Ohbliv, Opens Debut Exhibition at Southside Contemporary Art Gallery
by Tranae Cearnal
RICHMOND, VA - Coppere Ford is a layered artist. So much so, he decided to give each of his creative sides their own moniker. “I love this. I like to see how far I can go before people figure it out.” These days, Ohbliv is cutting more than records, he’s cutting paper and creating these intricate collages. Each piece felt like a time machine, a relic of the 90s, modern imagery juxtaposed with ancient reflections, an archival tesseract of time.
“I use shoe and fashion colorways for like inspirational colors. So then that’s kind of how I differentiate [ and organize] everything”
Ford’s work was recently featured in New York’s Affordable Art Fair and chosen for their “New to the Fair” category. But, you can discover Ford’s art now through the end of the month at Southside Contemporary Art Gallery. The Richmond Seen arrived for Ford’s debut solo exhibition “Oblivious Utopia” at SCAG for a private showing before the opening reception this Friday, September 5.
We talked candidly about his creative process; magazines, newspapers, and book diving. “I owe a lot to this little book store right down the street from here on Hull Street Bargain Bookstore. I probably wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing without them. I go there weekly and tapped in with the owner. They have so many bargain books.”
“I’ve been doing collages since I was 16. So, my collection is pretty massive. It’s pretty bad. My wife and I have gotten into arguments as I’m bringing more books to cut up in the house.” None of the artwork or pieces are photocopied, but original prints from his archives. Scraps are possibilities according to Ohbliv — as evident by the five trash bags full of unused pieces from completed projects.
Some of Ford’s more personal pieces in the exhibition include a collage which featured “Ultra Sheen” hairgrease. The blue and green jars. “It’s sentimental. Being at my Big Momma’s. Using Ultra Sheen growing up.” But also a piece that includes a father and son. “This one just reminds me of me and my Dad and him putting me on game.”
When asked about his family and their thoughts on his debut, Ohbliv shared how happy they were. Excited. Each member is an artist in their own right. Ford said, “I’m trying to make a legit art house. My wife does stuff. My son makes figures and sculptures.”
After visiting Ford’s home studio and delving into thousands of records of works, SCAG owner and exhibit curator Rosetta knew he had to get these unique pieces a home in hopes of providing an opportunity for people to afford these one of a kind works. “There was such an artistic energy in his home and in his studio. Everybody was doing something!”
You can catch a piece of Oblivious Utopia all this month only at Southside Contemporary Art Gallery.
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