Nathaniel Lewis‘s Thesis show happened earlier this month, and it was by far the best show I have ever seen in the Harry Wood Gallery. Â Let me take that a step further, it was the best show I’ve seen in the greater Phoenix Metro area.
Nathan’s work is deeply bizarre. Â Lots of fuzzy or shiny baby like creatures exploding in different ways or trying to eat each other, or themselves.
What separates Nathan’s work from a lot of other local work is a melding of conceptual prowess, humor, and material mastery. Â In viewing this work I can’t even figure out what half of them are made out of, but damn do they look good. Â (His blog reveals some of his technique.) Â The shear number of objects stands out in an area where the bare minimum is often the popular response to artistic work. Â Nathan also makes innovative use of all space available in the gallery, from the floor, to pedestals, and the wall, to the ceiling.
I only fear for the 1 acre plus of rainforest that probably died to make each of these cute golems.
And honestly, the large stuffed pieces looked like they were there only to fill space. Â Humongous flocked golems might have been interesting though…
Nathan’s show will be up again at the Night Gallery in Tempe Marketplace from 7 May 2010 – 1 June 2010.
Images © 2010 Nathaniel Lewis.
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