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Set to open in October at Echo Arts in Lowertown Saint Paul, Transfigurations is the brain child of artists Talissa Mehringer and Laekun Foto. United by the mutual interest in rebirth and decay, Transfigurations will aims to bring its viewer into the haunting realm of the afterlife (perfect for Halloween season, are we right?). The duo comes from storied backgrounds: Talissa bounced around the world from an early age as the daughter of two social anthropologists, eventually landing in NYC to study Film and Media Arts at Pratt Institute, while Laekun has lived and worked in both Minneapolis and New York, creating art and producing commercial photography. They are currently seeking donations via a recently launched kickstarter campaign which will help fund the multimedia project.

Your multi-media exhibit opening at Echo Arts in October is in the process of raising money through kickstarter. How can people donate, and what will the money help you to do?

We have set up a project pitch on Kickstarter.com to help us raise money to cover some of the costs of putting on the show- material costs, gallery fees, promotional materials, etc. Anyone can donate by visiting our page on Kickstarter. All contributors will receive some awesome rewards we have come up with such as original artwork, prints, and actual sculptural pieces part of the show as a thank-you for helping us make this happen.

What’s the basis of ‘Transfigurations’? How did you come to collaborate?

The idea of Transfigurations is loosely based on the traditions of Samhain or All Hallow’s Eve during which the veil between life and death is at its thinnest. We’re seeking to create an installation which invites the living spectator to accompany the dead on the journey into the Afterlife, transcending the idea of art-on-the-wall shows. Be creating such an environment, viewers are physically involved and become part of the narrative. We came to collaborate since our shared interest of rust and decay lead naturally to the planning of an imaginary trip to the Underworld.

What attracted you to the Echo Arts space for this project?

The size of the Gallery. The location and ambiance. Jesse and Mary. The whole feel of creative density in Lowertown.

What do you like about the Lowertown art scene and what support have you seen for your project?

St. Paul is always a fresh new thought for people not living there. Always a surprise and always positive.

Transfigurations will open on a TBD date in October. For more information visit the Echo Arts Facebook page or check out the Kickstarter campaign to pledge a donation to the cause.