George Gregory “Collect-ed”

City Art announces its newest exhibition by George Gregory entitled “Collect-ed.” There will be an opening reception January 26, 2017 from 5-8pm in the main gallery at City Art. The exhibit continues thru February 25, 2017.

It includes three bodies of work that span almost ten years. The first, a series of lithographs, uses found and collected imagery from childhood photos, anatomical drawings and floral photographs. The second is a body of work that is inspired by the Pointillist movement. Gregory uses sequins and hand painted pushpins to create the images for this body of work. The process is laborious and time consuming. For instance, the sequins are hand sewn to paper and he creates a grid by punching holes in the paper to accommodate the needle and thread. The process of creating the grid for his sequin pieces inspired the third body of work. Instead of using the holes for sequins, he threads colorful embroidery floss from hole to hole until he is happy with the pattern.

Gregory comments, “I am inspired by personal narrative from my childhood, adolescent and adult relationships. Since childhood I have embraced materials considered part of the arts and crafts world. It is a way for me to combine my childhood experiences of crafting with my Grandmother and spending time with my carpenter Father while he worked. The materials they used in combination reveal the tensions between low art and high art. Through their use with form, I am leveling the playing field. 

The relationship between hard and soft plays an important role in my work. This is demonstrated through the materiality of fiber and wood. My material choices and processes reference my experiences with lost relationships. I pay homage to my Father and Grandmother by incorporating the same materials that played a part in my childhood. Creating a delicate balance.”

Gregory achieved his MFA in Sculpture from The Ohio State University and is a fulltime instructor in the School of Visual Art and Design at the University of South Carolina.

City Art Gallery is located at 1224 Lincoln St. in the historic Congaree Vista are in Columbia, South Carolina.  Gallery hours are Monday – Thursday 10am until 6pm, Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturdays 11am – 3pm.  For more information, contact Wenyth Wells, City Art Gallery at 803-252-3613 or at www.cityartonline.com.