Fresh off exhibiting at the world famous Kentuck Festival in Alabama, Andrew Hersey is opening a show of his newest photos/collage/poetry on November 7 at the Mudhouse in Charlottesville. Since participating in Migration’s Photography Invitational last November, Andrew has been kind enough to include Laura and me in the development of this newest body of work he calls Nocturnes. From the beginnings, we have been intrigued and supportive.
Nocturne
Anyone who knows my likes/dislikes in art knows that when I see written words splashed across a canvas, The Robot in me starts flashing, spinning and yelling "Danger, Will Robinson!" All too often the words steal from the visual stimulation supplied by the image – and not in a good way. For Andrew though, his words are absolutely integral to each of his pieces. In his photographs, Andrew includes a single stamped word on the actual item pictured. The words are not an afterthought. They are not add-ons. They do not lie on top of the picture. They are part of the picture. Of course, the words used are those thought provoking types that can pull your mind in challenging directions (overwhelm, hope, foundation, code, nobility). But paired with Andrew’s talented artist’s eye, he brings the deeper meaning within a comfortable range of understanding and contemplation. Harmony and balance is established.
Visit
Much like Andrew’s successful Geographies series (the ones we showed at Migration), the Nocturnes are mixed media collages consisting of photographs, paper, found objects, paint, pencil, words and resin on board. All are one-of-a-kind. For me, Andrew’s inclusion of collage, resin and poetry is more superfluous than anything else. The real power of each piece is in the photograph.
Don’t miss this show. Go to Mudhouse, get some coffee, and explore Andrew’s art. Buy what you love. You will not be disappointed.
Side note: John and Lynelle Lawrence, owners of Mudhouse, continue to bring some of the finest visual art exhibits to downtown Charlottesville. Their continued participation in and support of the local art scene has given coffee connoisseurs exposure to some of the best art created in the central Virginia area.
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