*Confluence** Opens September 2nd at UnSmoke Systems Artspace*

UnSmoke Systems Artspace

1137 Braddock Avenue

Braddock, PA 15104

unsmoke@gmail.com

415.518.9921 /612.940.9747

*Confluence** Opens September 2nd at UnSmoke Systems Artspace*

*Braddock, PA (August 18, 2011)*. *Confluence*, a nationally touring photography exhibition by Ross Mantle and Jim Korpi, opens Friday, September 2nd from 7pm – 11pm at Braddock's UnSmoke Systems Artspace. Admission is free.

*Confluence *merges the works of Jim Korpi and Ross Mantle from two American river valleys. The exhibition showcases the irony of the American Dream and what it means to settle in the United States. Using the Monongahela and Ohio River Valleys as geographic guides, Mantle and Korpi document the people and landscapes from Pennsylvania to Kentucky.

The photographs in *Confluence* touch on issues affecting post-industrial America. The work captures the sense of home, our disconnect from the land, squandered prosperity, pride, traditions and the effects of ingrained ideals on generations to come. The images draw from a deep reservoir of historic relevance and the photographers' personal connection to the regions. *
Confluence* portrays dignity and understanding while reflecting on the complexities of U.S. society.

*Confluence *has also been exhibited at Exposure Gallery in San Francisco, CA, Gallery 510 in Dayton, OH and Case Nueva in Athens, OH.

In addition to the opening event, the exhibition will be available to view on weekdays by appointment only through September 24th. Opening reception drinks courtesy of brillobox.

Ross Mantle is a native of Pittsburgh, Pa and a graduate of Ohio University's School of Visual Communication. His personal work often looks at contemporary American life and the quirks in our social landscapes. Ross currently splits his time between Brooklyn, Pittsburgh and on the road in a white truck. www.rossmantle.com

Jim Korpi grew up in between two pig farms on the East Coast. One is now a 3000-square-foot home subdivision, and the other is soon to be an 18 hole golf course. Jim has just finished his master's degree in photography with Ohio University’s School of Visual Communication. He is currently living in Saudi Arabia and trying to grow vegetables in sand. http://www.jimkorpi.com/

UnSmoke Systems Artspace, a project of Braddock Redux, is a former Catholic school building that has been repurposed into a gallery/events venue and artist studio spaces. Inspired by the industrial character and the historical importance of Braddock, UnSmoke Systems seeks to further open the community to those with unconventional and forward-thinking notions about the reuse of urban space and to help reinvigorate this once-bustling town. For more information, visit www.unsmokeartspace.com or email unsmoke@gmail.com.

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The Pittsburgh Art Blog

The Pittsburgh Art Blog features selected pittsburgh artists and upcoming exhibits with photos from the artists and galleries. since the major press outlets do not go beyond a directory listing of exhibits, blogs are needed to promote pittsburgh artists and their work. the blog also calls attention to the inferiority complex of pittsburgh art and how it's perpetuated by the major players in town. Started on August 20,2007. pittsburgh area galleries and art venues are listed at the sister site www.PghGalleries.com.

the blog and website are volunteer projects from fine art photographer and pittsburgh artist advocate rick byerly.