Wed 5/17 @ 5PM
Fri 5/19 @ 5-8PM
Visitors to 78th Street Studios’ Third Fridays are likely to already know of the work of painter Justin Brennan whose tiny studio is tucked at the far back of the top floor, begin Survival Kit Gallery. But his work has hung elsewhere in the building, including a recent showing at Survival Kit, which previewed the work he’ll be showing in a full-fledged show at HEDGE Gallery opening this week.
The show, titled Wide Eyed, features the figurative work Brennan is known for, rough, expressive portraits that capture moods, emotions and personalities in strong and often colorful brush strokes.
“My work may be unsophisticated,” says the largely self-taught Brennan, “but it comes from a place of wonderment and is a pure expression of my innermost thoughts. Some of the variables that directly affect my artwork during this process are glimpses of clarity, moments of struggle, and the discovery of material. At times, the result of this process includes the destruction of the painting — followed either by its death or rebirth.”
There will be a show preview on Wednesday May 17 from 5-7pm, followed by the official opening during Third Friday from 5-8pm. It will on view through June 30.
hedgeartgallery.com/exhibitions
2218 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114