The exhibition presents new work by Don Ed Hardy and Ron Nagle. Vastly different in nature, the sculptures and drawings by the two reflect influences and a philosophical outlook shared by both artists.
Rena Bransten Gallery's December exhibition, Duo Mysto, will present new
work by Don Ed Hardy and Ron Nagle. Vastly different in nature, the
sculptures and drawings by the two reflect influences and a
philosophical outlook shared by both artists.
In his first exhibition at the Rena Bransten Gallery, renowned tattoo
artist Don Ed Hardy presents works showcasing his extensive art
repertoire. Drawing from a fusion of influences - Japanese, American,
and Pop visual traditions, Hardy explores the shared histories of
tattooing, printmaking, and ceramics. His current series involves unique
images on cast clay forms, realized after consultation with and
prototype building by Ron Nagle and then production in collaboration
with master ceramists at Risogama kiln in Arita, Japan. In the
mixed-media works, layered imagery of strange creatures and mythical
characters are combined with painting, etched lines, and acrylic casting
on a wood support. Hardy challenged himself to mesh image, materials,
tradition, and form, resulting in works that resonate on visceral and
emotional levels.
Mr. Hardy graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute in 1967 with a
BFA in printmaking; he has devoted his artistic career to the
development of tattooing as an expressive mainstream medium. He retired
from tattooing in 2006 and now divides his time between San Francisco
and Honolulu with frequent trips to Japan to work in porcelain and study
its visual culture.
For the past fifty years, Ron Nagle has created eccentric ceramic forms
from an eclectic array of influences that include the Momoyama period of
Japanese ceramics, Josef Albers, Philip Guston, Giorgio Morandi, Hot Rod
culture and other Pop Idioms. The work will be comprised of suggestive
new forms that are organic in nature with strong painterly elements.
The show will also include a series of drawings related to the
sculptural work.
Mr. Nagle was born in San Francisco, CA and has been teaching ceramics
for over forty-five years. His work is in many public collections
including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Metropolitan Museum of
Art, New York; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; and the Stedelijk
Museum, Amsterdam. He currently teaches at Mills College and lives and
works in San Francisco.
Reception: Thursday, December 11, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Rena Bransten Gallery
77 Geary Street, San Francisco
Gallery hours are Tuesdays through Fridays - 10:30 to 5:30 and Saturdays 11:00 to 5:00.
Free admission