Words have intertwined with visual artwork for millennia. In the latter half of the 20th century, artists began using text as the primary pictorial component of their work. Diversity of media, subject, and content abound in, Image & Word. This group show highlights work by 26 artists from 8 states exploring written language in their visual art practice.

Text-based art can be categorized into two groups. The first group includes words alongside representational imagery to narrate or re-contextualize the subject. Bob Allen juxtaposes text and retro imagery of business men smoking in his mixed media collage, “Zero, Jack, Dick.” This piece utilizes dark humor and wordplay to comment on the predatory advertising of a bygone era. Jenny E. Balisle repurposed a standard braille sign and the words of our current President into a feminist battle cry, “Fire & Fury.” Artist and poet, Paula Keppie, created a mixed media painting in response to the tragic attack on a Pittsburgh Synagogue in October 2018. “Mr. Rogers Commencement Address, Dartmouth College, 2002,” incorporates text from the inspirational speech Fred Rogers gave that day. Keppie states, “As I wrote the words, over and over, they became a meditation, my own mantra of hope carried out into the world. “

The second group utilizes text as art object and the primary visual component. In his acrylic painting, “Fuck You Pick Me #1,” John Bissonette uses written word and irreverent humor to comment on the artists' plight of seeking validation and navigating the often exclusive art world. Megan Kociscak's mixed media text painting, “ Nothing Is Ever Really Black and White,” explores the nuances of truth-seeking in an increasingly complicated world. Bringing to mind Joseph Kosuth's conceptual artwork, “One and Three Chairs (1965), Mark Needham creates small chair sculptures formed from the letters of the word itself; “Literal Chair” is crafted with plexiglass and aluminum.

Image & Word addresses the way we use art and written word to make sense of the world around us, both past and present. Through the eyes of this talented group of artists, we invite you to join us as we celebrate this thought-provoking and timely exhibition. Image & Word will run from February 22 – April 6, 2019. The Opening Reception will be held at Kaviar Gallery on February 22, 6-8PM during the F.A.T Friday Trolley Hop!

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

WHAT: “Image & Word"
WHERE: Kaviar Forge & Gallery
WHEN: Opening Reception, February 22, 6:00 - 8:00PM
ON VIEW: February 22 - April 6, 2019
​Gallery Hours: Thursday & Friday 12-6, Saturday 12-4