SHOOT THE MOON
by Rachel Trooper
August 29th to October 6th, 2007

Opening Reception: August 31st, 6PM to 9PM
Kasini House, 64 North Street, Burlington, VT

To “shoot the moon” is an American colloquialism that describes the act of creating for oneself an ambitious target, one without much chance of success. Trooper uses this phrase to describe her most recent series of paintings, which show the journey of a caged bird as she flies through a house and eventually out a window. The bird represents the artist. The series shows the bird, having broken free of her cage traveling from room to room.

“The paintings are about taking a risk, feeling you’re in a situation you’re not happy about and realizing that you need to change it but don’t know how,” said the artist.

Seven Days art critic Marc Awodey described Rachel Trooper as a 21st century folk artist. Trooper makes art using a variety of techniques, including stenciling, wood burning, and carving rubber stamps as well as painting. In addition to the “Shoot the Moon” series, the exhibition includes an installation of the artist's hand-carved rubber stamps and other work. The exhibition explores Trooper’s work as an example of contemporary folk art.