Stumbling Toward Paradise

Inspired by H.G. Wells' disturbing vision of the future in The Time Machine, where humanity is divided into two classes, the Eloi-naive childlike beings that live in a pantomime paradise-and the Morlocks-trollish creatures whose appearance belies their fierce power and ability to manipulate the Eloi's to their death.

Wells' powerful allegory successfully warns of our perpetual desire to create artificial paradises that shield us from the harsh realities of existence.

ELOI: STUMBLING TOWARDS PARADISE brings together a series of powerful photographic works by artists Liset Castillo, Miles Coolidge, Todd Hido, Malerie Marder, Tracy Powell, and Alex Slade who question the familiar human concerns of perfection, failure, disillusionment, and redemption.

The exhibition will be on view through April 14, 2007.-- www.cmp.ucr.edu