How are symbols transformed from being a simple mark to something iconic?
Every day we are inundated with images, serving a particular purpose. They have allure and emotive quality that each viewer responds differently to. Since the earliest prehistoric known cave drawings, symbolic imagery has been an important role for artists. This process is ever-changing and is often redefined and reinterpreted to reflect contemporary times.
Featured artist, Brian Hart brings his kinetic, multi-layered use of image and symbolism to the canvas.
Artist Statement
The work I make owes equally to the traditions of history painting and pop art. Themes in the paintings are often derived from stories and myths I enjoyed as a child and instead of a straightforward approach, I reinterpret these stories using pictures appropriated from a wide range of sources. Images taken from advertising, cartoons and comic are given equal weight with images drawn from the works of the old masters. This is not meant to disrespect the works of previous artists but meant to show how these images can have the same power, importance and meaning. Pictorial symbols in art used to be a language clearly read by the public, allegorical paintings had set codes of symbols used in order to communicate to an illiterate audience, now these same symbols can have a multitude of meanings depending on their context. The dense layering obscures the meaning and invites the viewer to tease out the meaning by discovering and deciphering all the individual elements.
Opening Reception for SoWa First Fridays
Friday September 6th from 5 - 9 pm
450 Harrison Ave, No. 57 Boston, MA 02118
On the First Friday of every month, the artists, galleries, shops and showrooms of the SoWa Art + Design District open their doors to the public for an evening of art, culture and inspiration.
Brian Hart
brianrhart@gmail.com
www.thebrianhart.com
About the Inside-Out Gallery
Initiated in 2009, The Inside-Out Gallery is located in the CVS Window in Davis Square, a unique space that allows the public to view an eclectic array of works from artists and local organizations each month. The mission of the Somerville Arts Council is to cultivate and celebrate the creative expressions of the Somerville community. Through innovative collaborations and quality programming we work to make the arts an integral part of life reflective of our diverse city.
