The Gallery at Insight presents Collaborations and Curiosities
Comic books, tattoos, graffiti and skateboard art…these are the inspirations for the exciting and colorful new works by five local artists being featured throughout May at The Gallery at Insight, the curio emporium known for rare gems, handmade jewelry, ceremonial masks and hard-to-find vintage vinyl records, at 146 Rehoboth Ave. in downtown Rehoboth Beach.
This the first local artists' show at Insight, and it is being curated by Mary Gaffney, whose meticulous glass mosaics are also displayed throughout the store. “My concept is a space where creative people can meet and share their works,” said Gaffney. “Some of the current artists had never considered displaying their works before, so there’s a lot of excitement when people gather to view the exhibition.”
The artists are familiar faces in town. Roy Fowler and Brion Nofun are members of the popular punk band Speed Queen. “We were all encouraged to present whatever we wanted,” said Fowler, the band’s lead guitarist. “I used spray paint and graffiti stencils for the first time, and the pieces pay tribute to my favorite musicians.”
Michael Black is a pen-and-ink illustrator whose inspiration comes from comic books and vintage cartoons. “There is a tremendous interest in illustrations from the early comic book days. I appreciate the response my art is receiving,” said Black.
Many of the works on display bear the signature “Logan & James.” The two artists’ collaborations began last year by accident, when Logan gave an old painting to James to completely paint over. Instead, James added to the original image, and the two artists began passing the canvas back and forth. The result was unlike anything either artist had created before.
Their style is influenced by a mix of lowbrow art, which Logan experienced while living in Los Angeles, and the burgeoning Eastern European art scene which James witnessed in his native Ukraine. Titles of their pieces reflect humorous and unexpected imagery, such as “Mighty Fine Sister of Wonderland,” and “Easter Island Statue Man is Greeted Negatively by Swashbuckling Pipe-headed Turkey.”
Best of all for art collectors, the exhibits’ works are at affordable prices. “I’ve wanted to dedicate part of my store to local art for a long time,” said Insight owner Justin Sabia, “and I realized the best way to generate a buzz would be to make the works accessible. Mary and I are proud of the price range, with many pieces under $100, virtually unheard of among galleries featuring original art. This is only the first of several such exhibits we’re planning.”
For more information, call The Gallery at Insight, 302-226-2245.
