In this latest selection of works in the Inside-OUT Gallery exhibit The Preternatural Mystique, Somerville artists, Jeremy Hetherington and Behind the Mask Theater explore the notion of transformation and what lies beneath the surface. By nature, the art of collage and mask have an elusive quality—transforming reality to a fantastical reverie of our own desires. Together, the juxtaposition of the two elevates the perception of the unusual. From intricate treasures to bold mythical characters, each piece is a feast of sensory exploration for all to enjoy.
Artist Statement, Jeremy Hetherington
Jeremy Hetherington is a Somerville-based industrial designer and artist, who earned his BFA at Massachusetts College of Art in 2010. His signature cut-paper collage works are an exploration of the artist’s process of mindfulness. From religious iconography to symbolic animal imagery, this raw Boschian-inspired depiction reveals complexities of our own humanity and its relation to society. The careful attention to detail evokes a Baroque motif, reflecting the intricate nature of our subconscious where the innocent and wicked converge.
By day Hetherington is a full time associate manager of industrial design & innovation at a fortune 500 company specializing in own brand product design; by night he is a fine-art collage artist that creates fantastical worlds of his own design. In 2015, he was the winner of the “New to Making Art” Emerging Artist Award at Boston City Hall. He has participated in shows within Boston area and beyond.
Follow more of Jeremy Hetherington’s work on Instagram at @jeremy_hetherington
Artist Statement, Behind the Mask Theater
Autumn stands out as a particularly colorful season for a mask-maker. The holidays lend themselves to distinctive celebrations that often call for representation of a variety of characters. Here are a few that we have set before you. We begin with that iconic Halloween emblem - the witch. In this case she is our Blue Swamp Witch, an original expression of the popular evil crone. The Foxes are a cute pair, rough yet charming, still in a liminal zone without a polished finish like many of my other presented works. The fox is always an appealing symbol because it speaks to our ability to survive this crazy world with odds stacked against us with our cunning, creativity and imagination. Another elusive shape-shifter, the Cheshire Cat, also exists in the in-between realm, speaking in riddles, and disappearing just when you think you see them. Is that wide-eyed toothy grin a smile or a snarl? Above, the Hyena, a scavenger cousin of the beloved dog. Not as noble as man's best friend, nor as revered for its wildness as cousin wolf, hyena remains ever resourceful as they roam the outskirts of civilized society and sometimes within. Krampus brings in the beginning of Winter with his subversive association with child punishment, mayhem, and murder. Green and Orange Faeries spark the whimsical hope of Spring. Finally, Ophelia, the Dead Girl brings some classical creepiness to the collection with her glazed gaze and mottled appearance. 'Tis the season to turn within and let loose some of the unique and playful creatures that lurk within, to let them play for a while until we rein them back in to maintain our collaborative work together as a civilized society.
Behind the Mask Studio and Theater integrates folklore, fairy tales, and mythology from around the world. By combining masks, music, storytelling, dance, puppetry, martial arts, and other art forms, they create spectacular productions that dazzle audiences from both near and far. In addition to designing beautiful masks for original performances, they offer workshops at various levels and teach others how to do the same!
For more information, please visit: www.behindthemask.org
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.