READY FIRE AIM, 2025, latex, oil and gold leaf on canvas, 66” x 84”
Archie Scott Gobber’s latest exhibition “READY FIRE AIM” is not target practice, continuing to demonstrate the skill and prowess in exploring relationships between text, image and meaning he is well-known for. With his latest work, common phrases and expressions used in daily conversation and social media posts become fodder for comment about society, politics, identity and beliefs.
As the exhibition’s title work, “READY FIRE AIM” inverts the order of a familiar command and suggests that preparing and shooting takes precedence over an action to achieve a desired outcome. The command itself is layered in artwork that evokes the Great Seal of the U.S. A fierce eagle clutches arrows and olive branches within concentric circles in old gold (symbolizing wealth, tarnished royalty, late stage capitalism?) and navy blue that form a target. Above the eagle, E PLURIBUS UNIM, a Latin phrase meaning “out of many, one,” appears on a banner. Questions loom. Who’s aiming at this target? Exactly who or what is targeted?
“Gulf of America” visually manifests the ad hoc renaming of a gulf basin to an extreme. A map displays oceanic waters submerging most of the U.S., creating a literal gulf between purple-colored states above water. The presence of Canada and Mexico remains intact and forms a border around a diminished nation.
Warm orange capitalized block letters in “Ice” contradict the meaning and imagery of coolness associated with the word and object itself, perhaps also mocking a figure tied to government-sanctioned enforcement known by an acronym. Toupees atop each letter provide a clue.
The words “It Was Fucked Up When I Got Here” are positioned against warm soothing colors and a minimalist arrangement of simple shapes, suggesting a southwestern landscape. Emulating the efficiency of a postcard, the economic use of words and imagery conveys only so much and leaves the imagination to fill in and superimpose meaning. Are the words a statement, a review, a warning? “Starting is Half Finished” appears like an incomplete painting but fulfills the artist’s purpose of delivering a message and nudges a notion into the spotlight on a stage. The language adopts the pseudo-meaningful gravity of a TED Talk presentation title, a thought leader’s business book or a social media influencer’s pitch for a self-help workshop (link in bio!).
In a time when pixel-packed content digitally streams on devices, the work of Gobber and other artists feels downright subversive. After all, Gobber’s artwork is not monetized by digital engagement or subject to the whims of an oligarch’s algorithm. Static on a wall but dynamic in message, ‘READY FIRE AIM” challenges viewers to encounter in person, engage mentally, and take a shot of their own through contemplation and independent thought. Quick reads and hot takes are insufficient. Gobber’s use of humor, irony and nontoxic prompts encourages viewers to consider how words shape perception and reality.
“Archie Scott Gobber: READY FIRE AIM,” continues at Haw Contemporary, 1600 Liberty St., through Nov. 1. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, 816.842.5877 or hawcontemporary.com.
