Jamie Evans

Dimethyltryptamine / Homecoming

Preview: Friday, 5 May, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Exhibition: 10 May - 10 June 2017
Opening Times: Thu - Sat, 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Location: Abject 2 Gallery, 2nd Floor, Bamburgh House  

‘Dimethyltryptamine / Homecoming’ deals explicitly with Evan’s experiences with N-N DMT. Having had several significant experiences, Evans describes two of these experiences as resulting in what is commonly called a ‘breakthrough’. A ‘breakthrough’ is where the user intakes enough of the substance to experience the full effects.

Evans describes seeing “mandala-esque kaleidoscopic patterns and shapes”. For Evans DMT changed his entire outlook on reality and on what it is to be conscious and alive. It showed him that “this plain of reality, the everyday universe and world we inhabit is by no means the only place that consciousness exists”. Evans believes that there are many more realms of existence where consciousness transcends and is ever present. DMT allows temporary access to one of these realms.

DMT is a chemical compound, which is found endogenously inside our brains, a recent scientific study shows that it is found in large quantities in the pineal glands of rats, the pineal gland is a tiny gland found inside the brain, almost in the center of our skull. Arguably the most protected place. It is located inside the skull in between the nose, slightly above the brow ridge, this is why it is sometimes referred to as ‘the third eye’. DMT can be extracted from common plants relatively easily; it can be administered intravenously, smoked, or it can be taken orally in the form of the sacred tribal drink known as ‘Ayahuasca’. When smoked the experience is short, reaching its peak at about 4-6 minutes but only lasting between 25-30 minutes, however if ingested orally or taken intravenously, it is a prolonged experience which plays out over 8-12 hours.

‘Dimethyltryptamine / Homecoming’ is Jamie Evans’ debut solo exhibition in North of England, the exhibition includes a series of paintings that have only ever previously been exhibited in London. It will be a chance for people in the North East to see his work properly for the first time.

Jamie has exhibited in shows at StolenSpace Gallery, 5th Base Gallery and No Commission in London, and Haus Paula Becker gallery in Germany. And recently, he was commissioned by Rocnation to spray paint a piano for singer Emeli Sandé as she prepares to go tour. “I see my art as positivity - positive vibration - and when I look at a blank canvas or a wall outside, I’m inspired to turn what I see in my mind into a physical reality. Painting is very intuitive to me. I don’t think too much about it, it just comes out fluently.”

www.jamielawsonevans.com

The preview for this exhibition takes place on Friday 5th May, 6pm – 9pm, featuring music, drinks, Peruvian Peanut and Potato soup, and a chance to meet the artist. The exhibition continuing to be open from 10th May – 10th June, Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm – 5pm. Entry is free.

Note: This exhibition will also be open as part of The Late Shows, on Saturday 20th May, 7pm - 11pm.