Millennial observation

On Friday, artist Tim Lane will be showcasing a series of paintings in an Exhibition called “The Planet I love has more than just one Moon” at East Arbor Architecture and Gallery. The exhibit covers selfies or photographs resembling selfies, and Lane said it stems from his observations about the younger generation and their technological habits.

“I’m trying to capture ideas that I’ve been formulating about society and popular culture at large,” the artist said. “I try to keep my pulse on some of the current ideas and different things going on and I use that to try and inform my art.”

Lane said the idea for the project came in 2014 after observing his children.

“I have two kids — a son and a daughter — and they were teenagers around this period and they were involved with the selfie phenomenon,” Lane said. “I would see their photos and their selfies and their pics and their postings and I would spend a lot of time thinking of the younger generation and what they’re interested in and the things they’re doing. I wanted to create some series of work that really tapped into that trend.

From that observation, inspiration struck.

“It occurred to me, why not use that type of photo as my source material,” Lane said.

Lane said that while creating this project he wanted to express something he was feeling toward society and his community and hopes his viewers do the same — even if he didn’t intend to send a clear message.

“I don’t really think about a message too much, I’m really just trying to convey my ideas or my observations and I hope that when people see my work that it connects with them in some way,” Lane said. “But that’s what art really is, it’s a form of communication it’s a dialogue between the artist and the viewer, and all I really hope is that people enjoy it and engage with it.”

The Lansing area has over a dozen art galleries and ways for artists to showcase their work. Lane said it’s an incredible area for growing artists and hopes to see that growth continue.

“I love being a part of the creative community. It’s good to be surrounded and connected to other creative people. It’s good that there are different areas in the Lansing area to help creative people whether it be artists or musicians or writers showcase their work and express their ideas,” Lane said. “I hope that scene continues to grow and people continue to be supportive of the arts and that we get more art taking place.”

“The Planet I Love Has

More Than Just One Moon”

Friday, Oct. 6 – Nov. 22

5 – 8 p.m.

East Arbor Architecture kknd Gallery

405 Grove St., East Lansing

(517) 755-7310

eastarbor.blogspot.com