NEW YORK, NY.- Anna Zorina Gallery opens today, Apri 20th, Bradley Hart’s fifth solo exhibition with the gallery in which he introduces his two latest breakthrough series, Artifacts and Post-Impressions. The opening reception will feature a live art creation in which the artist reveals his latest “Popping” technique. The acrylic and bubble wrap paintings from his notable Injection series are now transformed into Artifacts. The artist places a layer of canvas on top of the Injection before rolling repeatedly over the two layers with his mobility scooter. This process culminates in the creation of the modified Injection, the Impression and multiple prints called Post-Impressions.
This new approach within Hart’s work introduces a sense of unpredictability into all stages of his creation process. By adding another performative element, he eliminates the total control he once had over depicting the pixelated photorealism of the Injection painting. The Artifact is revealed as a softer image, taking on blurred edges as if recalled from memory. The Post-Impression prints on canvas capture the rolling motion of the scooter, as if representing the jogging of memory. Each consecutive pass show how certain details remain resilient while others consider fade to obscurity.
Bradley’s paintings across multiple series reflect his mastery with the behavior of his materials. He can influence the media but not fully predict the final outcome. The artist considers the element of surprise to be an important aspect in his work. Dealing with added variability within his studio practice parallels his need to contend with losing control of his own body due to Multiple Sclerosis. Through the evolution of his techniques, he demonstrates his drive to push forward, fulfilling the constant need to adapt both physically and creatively.
Born in Toronto, Canada
Lives and works in New York City
Hart’s process incorporates bubble wrap as his support to create two paintings simultaneously to different effect. While the Injection series works are photorealistic, the resulting Impression series paintings are less distinct and show how the paint reacts to the unique artistic method. The interaction between the Injections and Impressions demonstrates Hart’s intention of depicting the plastic quality of memory by capturing a moment and further portraying how the finite characteristics of that memory disintegrate and are manipulated with time. The Injection works are created through Hart’s application of acrylic paint with a syringe into each individual bubble. The material associated with protecting fragile items is instead used to protect an image, a moment in time. The pixilated effect that the bubble wrap endows on the painting references the common way in which we view pictures today, in photo albums saved online. Hart makes tangible files as a means of backing up the transient moment. The Impression series is comprised of paintings created from the paint remnants on the back, flat surface of bubble wrap. The subject matter is still distinguishable yet has a drippy appearance. The memory has since been obscured and exact details have blurred.
