CASPER, Wyo. — A new exhibit opening today at Scarlow’s Gallery in downtown Casper will feature paintings by contemporary artist Roy Uptain focusing on Russia’s war on Ukraine.
According to a release, the exhibit will run from Feb. 6 through March 8, with an artist’s talk and reception scheduled for 2 p.m. on Feb. 25.
“Uptain’s paintings explore the competing ideologies that create, circulate, and display images in times of conflict,” the release said.
“Through his use of multiple perspectives (a war photographer’s lens, a military spy plane, a videogame screenshot, a cell phone photo), Uptain questions the unseen forces that shape public opinion, seeks ways to better understand our historical moment, and explores more authentic ways to bear witness to each other’s experiences.”
Uptain is a former public affairs specialist for the Army National Guard, said the release, adding that his interest in photojournalism started during training at the Defense Information School.
“We were taught to frame each narrative around command-approved talking points, control the backgrounds of photos so as not to reveal government secrets, and edit out the faces of special government operatives,” said Uptain in the release. “This fueled my fascination with the methods special interest groups, like the military, use to manipulate public discourse and deceive their audiences.”
Additionally, 20% of all sales will be donated to United24, which is described as a “global digital initiative founded by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to raise funds and support Ukraine amid the Russian-Ukrainian war.”
Scarlow’s Gallery, Art & Coffee is located at 122 W. 2nd St. in downtown Casper, and can be reached at 307-237-8390.
