| Curry and Hardgrave at Limited Addiction |
| Written by Ken Hamel | |
| Sunday, 10 August 2008 | |
Matthew Curry and Robert Hardgrave: NeighborsLimited Addiction GalleryAugust 16 - September 13, 2008Opening Reception: Saturday, August 16, 7 - 10 pm Robert Hargrave - Burried Limited Addiction Gallery 825 Santa Fe Drive Denver, CO 80204 303.893.4234 http://limitedaddictiongallery.com (from the press release) Limited Addiction Gallery is pleased to present Neighbors, a joint exhibition of new works by artists Matthew Curry and Robert Hardgrave. Both artists are known in and outside the visual art community for their colorful, bold, gestural work that appears not only in galleries but also on shoes, bags, skateboards, and record covers. Abstract energy runs through Robert Hardgrave's work conveying emotion and spirituality through freedom of line and color. Using acrylic, inks and rice paper on canvas, Hardgrave's boldly defined anthropomorphic silhouettes are filled with intricate patterns and designs of collage-like texture. Hardgrave seldom does any kind of preliminary sketches, describing the process of painting as the ability to let go. The result is an organic quality to the work, where patterns and images emerge and create a story. Hardgrave believes that "inspiration comes from everything," a feeling that is inherently transferred to the viewer of his work. Matthew Curry's ornamental graphic style takes inspiration from audio and multimedia sources that are transcribed onto the visual plane. His illustrations are meditative yet fluid with characters and cityscapes delivering a narrative that encourages a dialogue with the viewer. His most recent work explores two directions. Layers of concentric circles and muted colors form together in complex stylistic renderings reminiscent of the menacing underbelly of an urban environment. The work achieves a unique momentum that comes off the surface and washes over the viewer. A second series features soft, cream-colored planes of color and etch-a-sketch outlines that make one think of cityscapes as internalized by a computer with a human heart. Curry's work balances the technical with the natural, organic gestures juxtaposed with geometric precision. About the Artists Robert Hardgrave: Seattle-based Robert Hardgrave is a self-developed artist who uses intricate patterns of personal symbols that come together and achieve collective universality. In 2003, after overcoming a kidney transplant and subsequent lymphoma, Hardgrave dedicated himself fully to a fine art career. What began as an experiment with automatic drawings during his recovery turned into a passion for creating artworks that reflect ideas about reincarnation and the richness of life after death. The artist has exhibited widely on the West Coast, including the Center on Contemporary Art (COCA) and San Jose Museum of Art. Hardgrave recently celebrated his first New York solo exhibition. His work has been featured in international exhibitions as well as magazines such as Hi-Fructose and Redefine Magazine. MAGIC BEANS, is a newly released limited edition published by Rojo Monographic Books featuring the artwork of Robert Hardgrave. The book marks his 5th anniversary project dedicated to the family of Hardgrave's organ donor. MAGIC BEANS is 160 pages of full-color artwork and is available at Rojo.com. Matthew Curry: Washington DC-based Matthew Curry is a GRAMMY® nominated designer, illustrator, painter, and principal of the design studio, Imagefed. Curry's ability to blur the lines between design and illustration has earned him respect from both the fine art and creative marketing worlds. Curry has exhibited previously at Limited Addiction Gallery and in various galleries throughout North America. Curry's designs have been used by Thievery Corporation, and ESL Music, Corcoran College of Art and Design, Condé Nast Publishing, Flavorpill, and Lamar Snowboards. About Limited Addiction Gallery Gallery Director David B. Smith founded Limited Addiction Gallery in 2007. The focus of the gallery is to show the work of established and emergent contemporary art innovators from the United States and abroad. The Limited Addiction concept originated when a group of collectors created an art discussion forum in March of 2005. The rapid growth of the forum sparked the development of the gallery, which grew organically in line with the interests of the forum's international community. Limited Addiction Gallery continues to create fully interactive online and gallery experiences with exclusive access to exhibitions and events. David B. Smith continues his vision of creating relevant dialogue and art accessibility to new and seasoned collectors. Curating exhibitions with an intelligent and often challenging aesthetic and bringing a range of contemporary art to the Denver art scene, David B. Smith has cultivated a strong regional and international collector audience. Limited Addiction Gallery is committed to developing opportunities and platforms for represented artists to develop and expand their body of works and visibility. Recently featured artists include Justin BUA, Gregory Euclide, Josh Keyes, Kris Lewis, and Jason Thielke. To broaden the international exposure of represented artists, Limited Addiction Gallery has participated in art fairs since the gallery's inception, including satellite fairs in Miami during Art Basel Miami Beach 2007 and during Armory week in New York 2008. Limited Addiction Gallery has received extensive media coverage including The Denver Post, The New York Times, Juxtapoz Magazine, and Complex Magazine. Upcoming 2008 exhibitions will include select solo and group exhibitions; among them Anthony Ausgang, Lori Field and Naoto Hattori (September 20 - October 18), Sean Christopher (October 25 - November 22), and Stella Im Hultberg, Lyle Motley, Ferris Plock and Kelly Tunstall (November 29 - December 27); Group Exhibition, Aqua Art Miami (December 4 - 7). In 2009, Limited Addiction Gallery will become the David B. Smith Gallery. Limited Addiction will remain as the publishing arm of the gallery, featuring limited edition artist prints and monographs. Additional details about the new gallery identity and future plans for growth and programming will be released in October 2008. Limited Addiction Gallery is located at 825 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, Colorado 80204. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., or by appointment. To learn more about the gallery and represented artists, please visit www.limitedaddictiongallery.com, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 303.893.4234. |
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