Above: detail from “Ludi Ceriales” by Brian Henry (opening at Trifecta Gallery)
Its that time again for First Friday! Our recommendations for checking out some great art this month …
“The Three Tragedians” by Brian Henry
Machina Ex Machina is an ongoing series by Brian Henry whose interests in light, minimalist compositions, chance visual events and perception culminate in this new body of work the artist has termed “generative parametric artworks.” Not to be confused with video art, Henry’s parametric works are creating in real time and each image is a unique experience.
Mens et Manus, has been over a year in the making with a lifetime of experience by Henry. The show will reveal the artists latest “mortal” and “immortal” machines. An interdisciplinary artist, Brian Henry has always created works in a wide variety media. Currently he is the Senior Design Associate at YESCO, the world leader in signage and lighting. Brian’s designs can be seen illuminating venues from the Las Vegas Strip to Atlantic City’s boardwalk to the banks of Hong Kong Harbor.
“Unwilling Lover” by Giovanni Morales
Brett Wesley Gallery is celebrating the opening exhibition of New Thrills featuring Las Vegas painter Giovanni Morales. Bursting with multiple painted layers of dramatic styling, comic book icons, and nostalgic typography, this autumn we celebrate the work of local artist Giovanni Morales. Join us for the follow up to last years sold out show as Giovanni expands his exploration of the birth of cool, pulp fiction, and crime drama.
Giovanni moved to Las Vegas as a young child and began his painting career in 2005 after watching his cousin create a simple stencil to form type. From that moment on he was hooked, for Giovanni the art is in the hands-on cutting technique. Giovanni’s passion for vintage hand-made things; from old signs and cars to comic books has inspired the distressed surfaces of his paintings. Artists that have been an influence are the old pin strippers and hand-lettered sign makers as well as Banksy, Roy Lichenstein, Andy Warhol, and Shepard Fairey.
“Sans Titre 541″ by François Dubeau
Montreal artist François Dubeau, who is known for his exceptionally sexy black and white work, is returning to Las Vegas to present “The Beautiful Accident” showcasing his work in bright bold colors at Sin City Gallery, Sept. 6 – Oct. Dubeau’s shift from his familiar distinctive black and white work to stunning color is most ironic since he is color blind. For a long time, color was a forbidden garden to him.
“As a child, my unconventional use of color didn’t always win me raving reviews, but that didn’t stop me from experimenting, however meekly,” said Dubeau. “And then one day, I finally understood why I couldn’t get color to work for me. What I needed was not timid dabs of color, but vast expanses of bold, bright color! Like your hard-of-hearing aunt who turns up the volume on the television, I need loud, bold, saturated splashes of color. I will express my desire for color with exuberance; no regrets, no excuses.” He added, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”
Dubeau’s color work is born of totally different roots than his black and white work. These two bodies of work are at opposite ends of the spectrum, but nevertheless complement one another. They are his yin and his yang.
JOW at TastySpace
SRSLY…WTF!: NU TXT-BSD WRK BY JOW
Jow’s new collage series creating a collision between cultural constructs past and present will be on display by September First Friday. Reception Saturday from 5-7pm.
Part gallery. Part boutique. Part incubator. All delicious. TastySpace is located on the first floor of the Emergency Arts building in Las Vegas’ emerging downtown.
Where exactly? 520 Fremont Street (Fremont and 6th). Through The Beat coffee shop. Cross the common area, toward the stairs. Far back corner on the left. Next to the dark room.
More than an art gallery, TastySpace is a hub for creativity. A small collective of like-minded individuals who love to express themselves visually, verbally, or otherwise artistically.
ArtsVegas: Covering Las Vegas Art and culture since 2009.
Written by David Hardy
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