UB Anderson Gallery to Present "The Talking Cure" from April 8 through May 9

BUFFALO, N.Y. – "The Talking Cure", the installation of a graphic novel written and illustrated by Christopher Mostyn, will open with a reception at the UB Anderson Gallery on April 8 from 6-8:30 p.m.

"The Talking Cure", Mostyn's first solo exhibition, is free and open to the public. It will be on view in the second floor gallery through May 9. Autographed copies of the novel will be available for sale.

"The Talking Cure" consists of a 40-page book printed on monochromatic blue pages installed in the gallery along a painted pattern of roots originating from a central tree.

The novel's storyline revolves around an argument between a pessimistic robot and an unidentified optimist. Through their narrative, the two explore the rationalizations used to support extreme attitudes about life. For some, it is blind optimism that ignores the harsh realities of life and for others, it is grim pessimism that filters out the beauty and blessings in each day.

"The Talking Cure" represents in many ways Mostyn's desire to relate his Biblical understanding to the reality of his everyday experiences.

"I have joked that I am a pessimist with optimistic tendencies," says Mostyn, who received his Master of Arts in biblical studies from the Baptist Bible Graduate School of Theology in Springfield, Mo. in 2000 before coming to the University at Buffalo, where he is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree. "I want to believe the best about people, but I know too many people. For me, this work was about trying to figure out what I could about my own attitude."

Mostyn studied art and design from 1987-89 at Monroe Community College in Rochester before transferring to Baptist Bible College, where he received a bachelor of science degree in 1994. He has worked as an illustrator and muralist since 1990. His work has been appeared in group exhibitions, including, Invitational Illustration Show (Mercer Gallery, Rochester, 2004), "Operation" (UB Art Department Gallery, 2003), One-Hour Gallery Show (The One-Hour Gallery, Buffalo, 2003), "Shelf Life" (UB Art Department Gallery, 2002); An Exhibition in Collage (Mercer Gallery, Rochester, 1997), and the 13th Annual Mail Art Show (Mercer Gallery, Rochester, 1994.

UB Anderson Gallery, Center for Museum Studies, is located on Martha Jackson Place off Englewood and Kenmore avenues. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Call 716-829-3754 for more information.