(Photo courtesy Samantha Battaglini)For the next month, the usual artistic clutter that fills the Firehouse Gallery in downtown Phoenix will be accompanied with an array of original local art in a group show dubbed “Creatures." The show features art from several local painters, sculptors and illustrators, but it is primarily based on the work of artist James B. Hunt, or NXOEED.
Hunt’s unique art combines a traditional approach to illustration tinted with nightmarish existentialism. The striking contrast between his harsh black ink outlines and soft approach to watercolor accents made his pieces stand out in the chaos that is the Firehouse Gallery, as did the clothespins that were used to hang the pieces.
“What inspires my art?” Hunt said in an interview at the Firehouse as he hung his work for the show. “The short answer is space, noise and the dead.”
Hunt’s art, as with most of the art hung in this show, covers expanses of theme and imagery that breaks the conventions of a traditional gallery. This originality, combined with the extremely engaging combination of media, technique and colors the work provided, sets the show apart and provided an interesting experience that would send art connoisseurs running for the hills.
“The Firehouse is a really important space,” Hunt said. “I don’t think we could get away with hanging work like this in another gallery. They’re supportive of experimentation; they’ve allowed me to do things other places wouldn’t. They’re one of the few places in town that does.”
This fantastically frightening showcase of Phoenician art can be seen every Fridays and Saturdays until it cools down, from 6 pm. to 11 p.m., excluding Saturday, September 20. The gallery will also be open from 12 p.m. to 11 pm for the Starfire Festival. There will be a culminating art treasure hunt, featuring 100 pieces by Hunt inspired by 100 local bands, during First Friday on Oct. 3.
Firehouse Gallery is located at 1015 N. 1st St.
Reach the reporter at ezentner@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @emilymzentner
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Correction: due to a reporting error, an earlier version of this article misstated the time that the gallery is open. The correct times are reflected in the article.
