On Exhibit Now
Come See our Current Exhibit
Thor's Hammer by John Magnan
Social Commentary Using Marvel Comics Imagery
February 21 - April 25, 2020
Opening Reception | Friday, February 21, 6-8pm
Artist's Presentation | Thursday, February 27, 6:00pm
Thor's Hammer is a socio-political exhibit inspired by and based on Marvel Comics imagery. Each sculpture re-imagines an aspect of Marvel Comics in the context of current issues. The exhibit follows in the Marvel tradition of using fantasy imagery to comment on the human condition and examine some of today's social challenges. The art questions whether the fabric of democracy can survive the pull and tug of the many struggles confronting us today.
Preview the work on the artist's website at www.johnmagnan.com.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jodi Stevens
EXHIBITION COMMITTEE
Co-Chairs
Elizabeth Howland
Alice Shire
Veronique Bale
Sarah Brown
Judy Carver
Kate Corkum
Harriet Ingerslev
Sarah Mitchell
Diana Parsons
Philip Tifft
Artist's Statement
KNOWLEDGE OF MARVEL COMICS OR MOVIES NOT REQUIRED!
Thor’s Hammer is a socio-political exhibit based on Marvel Comics imagery. Each sculpture reimagines an aspect of Marvel Comics in the context of current issues. Diverse in form, material and color, the exhibit presents the familiar fantasy imagery, but with a twist. The art can be viewed and enjoyed at two levels. Fans of Marvel comics and movies will recognize the work on its face, but upon looking deeper will discover something more, with each piece provoking thought about some aspect of today’s society.
Marvel made a business of examining the human condition using the vehicle of comics and cinema. Thor’s Hammer follows in that tradition. Using various subtle image twists and different materials and forms, the exhibit reminds us that today’s socio-political challenges are interrelated and intertwine. Taken as a whole, the art questions whether the fabric of democracy can survive the pull and tug of these struggles.
Thor’s Hammer is post-post-modern. Located between irony and new earnestness, it encourages the viewer to emotionally experience the feelings and circumstances behind each sculpture.
Next up in our Galleries
VESSELS
Works by Craig Coggeshall, Hollis Engley, & Michael Pietragalla
Dates TBD
Opening Reception | Friday, TBD, 6-8pm
Artists' Presentation | TBD
Vessels throughout history have served as both delightful objects of art and functional containers. This exhibit features a trio of Southcoast artists, working in a variety of materials and dimensions, who interpret the theme of vessels in three unique ways. Craig Coggeshall’s still-life paintings, depicting elaborate arrangements of vases, teapots, pitchers, and bottles, present heightened views of everyday life that sparkle with color and dazzle with precision. Hollis Engley’s ceramic tea bowls glow with richly glazed surfaces of tonal and textural layers. Michael Pietragalla’s wooden treasure boxes, which include ornate details, secret compartments, and luxurious interiors, are inspired by the royal receptacles of ancient China and Japan.
While their working methods vary, all three artists offer creations that intrigue with their beautiful exteriors and mysterious interiors. Together, they invite the viewer to experience the wonders of wood, clay and paint, fashioned into enclosed and contained forms.
