Two Saturdays ago, a new collective emerged from the Charlotte Art Scene, popping up with their first curated collection over at Dupp & Swat in Camp North End; named for the day after, Third Sunday.

Coming into the afternoon reception on June 8th, my eyes were greeted not only with nostalgia, but from the images and setups, I’m hit with warm serotonin to my brain and a smile to my face because just like back then, I still celebrate the occasions that the installation was meant to represent.

The majority of Third Sunday’s members come from the same era I grew up in, and it showed in each detail strewn across the room; A small CRT TV with Mortal Kombat II playing off a Sega Genesis, Dragon Ball Z DVD cases posed next to Primal Rage figures and cereal box covers that lined spots all around the back wall did a lot to pleasantly bring visitors back to a different time. 90’s bedrooms and play areas were filled with these objects, and here, decades later, they symbolize what it meant to wake up on a Saturday morning.

After the school days and the homework of the week, before the parents were fully awake to present us with our chores, we had our quiet moments where all that mattered was our cartoon heroes and a quick ‘n’ easy meal to make the weekend ritual complete, as long as there was milk on hand. 

The art along the wall tells similar stories, like with Jano Ryusaru’s Toe Jam & Earl imagined in flashier era of hip-hop garbs from the late 90’s, or Josh Henderson’s Megaman mural, split between two skateboards, putting the fighting robot’s internal mechanisms on display, both artists touching on popular video game icons. In comparison, Erica Cunningham and Marcus Burke chose to direct their piece’s inspiration from the ‘toon-ier side of things, invoking familiar faces from Invader Zim and the Adventure Time multiverse.

There were also pieces that weren’t as direct in their inspiration, but still kept with much with the gallery’s style and odes. Yesterday’s Cupid’s “NegrO’s” presents both the fears growing up in black adolescence and the disdain for the powers that be, illustrated like a campy cereal box ad to soften the images while hiding none of the themes. Quincy Woodard’s “Merge” puts the imagination on display within the abstract universe of his canvas. Finally, Johnny Lovely’s “Hot Girl Summer” presents a pair of pieces with inspiration drawn from mech anime with the robotic suits being taken off as their female operators use the opportunity to cool down.

A breakfast sampling was given out to attendees, with the choices being between small portions of tenders and waffles, or General Mills’ cereal bars, allowing for an on-the-go experience, whether checking the art, vibing to resident local DJ Blacksmith Sunday’s brand of Toonami-inspired tracks, or kicking back and picking up controllers for a couple rounds via the game stations provided by Potions & Pixels.

While we can’t go back and re-experience the magic moments of growing up with fresh eyes again, Third Sunday’s membership did much to rekindle the heart of them in their gallery opening. The cartoons, video games, and breakfast treats weren’t just entertainment, they were a time where we all found the ability to let loose the stresses of the week and have fun in an otherwise turbulent time trying to learn about ourselves & our place in an ever changing world, all while powering up our imaginations to the max, while having fun with siblings and friends.

Invoking those thoughts and feelings is how Third Sunday turned back the clock in early June, at least for an afternoon. ~

Want to keep up on Third Sunday? You can follow their next moves at https://www.instagram.com/thirdsunday_/

Featured Artist Links From The Gallery:
@hedfrst
@thefreequincy
@christiangooden
@octobomb_studio
@_marcusburke
@jano_ryusaru
@whatisrelax
@yesterdayscupid
@kvart.dept

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