Elisa Contemporary Art presents My Hero, a new art exhibit focusing on Superheroes in today’s contemporary art. We see the influences of Pop Art from the 1960’s and explore how five contemporary artists bring modern heroes to life in a whole new way.
The exhibit will open on January 27th, 2012 and run March 31, 2012.
From the days of Greek and Roman Gods and Goddess through today’s X-Men, Dynamic Duos, Fantastic Four and many others, we are captivated by the Superhero (male and female). Is it their superhuman strength and power? Or their seeming selflessness to put the greater needs of others ahead of their own wants and desires? Or the fact that they may embody and magnify a single aspect of the human potential in each of us? They captivate, engage and inspire us in print, on the big screen, under the Broadway lights… and now in Contemporary Art.
We’re featuring the undulating, architectural paintings of (New Orleans born and now California) Artist Don Morris whose series “Our Heroes” was inspired by the Pop Art of the 60’s. Using comic books as his medium, Don creates canvases which at a distant appear to be an interplay of colors and textures, but upon closer examination come to life with comic book superheroes who fly, struggle, and climb before us in small fragments and vignettes. Words bubble from the comic book text and are clearly visible throughout the pieces, so the viewer can read the stories of our action heroes.
The energetic and complex mixed media paintings of Water Mill resident Oliver Peterson draw their inspiration and sources from graffiti, structural decay, literature, Victorian era medicine and the pages of comic books.
Emerging artist Jerome Walford combines Pop Art with Asian print-making styles to create fluid illustrations of his own new heroic characters. We’ll be exhibiting artwork from his latest series.
The mosaic and mixed media paintings by New York artist Peter Buchman. According to Peter, “My art is really serious business with a sense of humor.” He pulls from a range sources that span the cultural spectrum, and often tackles the differences between men and women, religion, film, music, sexuality, infidelity, and American machismo.
Houston artist, Mitch McGee’s artwork bridges the space between painting and sculpture. In this latest series, he illustrates, cuts, paints and stains layers of birch to create highly dimensional scenes and characters.
The exhibit features artwork by:
- • California artist, Don Morris
- • New York artist, Peter Buchman
- • Mixed Media arist, Oliver Peterson
- • Houston artist, Mitch McGee
- • Emerging artist, Jerome Walford
We’re hosting several special events during the My Hero exhibit.
• Opening Reception on Saturday, January 28th from 4-6pm with Houston Artist, Mitch McGee
• A Valentine’s Day Toast to your Favorite Hero on Saturday, February 11th from 5-7pm
• Two Art Workshops for Children (age 5+). Each workshop will be led and inspired by the work of one artist.
- • Saturday, February 25th from 1-3pm Super hero Collage paintings with Oliver Peterson. (ages 5+)
- • Sunday March 25th from 1-3pm. Super hero in action illustrations with Jerome Walford (ages 8+)
About Elisa Contemporary Art
Elisa Contemporary Art represents a portfolio of both emerging and established contemporary artists, many of whom have work in the permanent collections of major museums and corporations. Founded in 2007 by Lisa Cooper, Elisa Contemporary Art is dedicated to promoting the appreciation and collection of art as a way to enrich and heal our lives, our communities, and the world.
The Riverdale gallery opened in September 2008. Elisa Contemporary Art has participated in high end art fairs in New York, Miami and the Hamptons, and curated public art exhibits in Manhattan, as well as an online exhibit for 2011 CurateNYC. Owner Lisa Cooper also provides art consulting services.
portion of every sale is donated to philanthropic organizations that help children and families within underserved communities heal and grow through their experience with art. Free Arts NYC, Arts to Grow and Creative Arts Workshops for Kids are supported.
For more information, visit the website at www.ElisaContemporaryArt.com or contact Lisa Cooper at Lisa@ElisaArt.com or 212.729.4974. The Riverdale Gallery is located at 5622 Mosholu Avenue, Riverdale NY 10471.