The works of artist Alex Lockwood are bright, colorful and eye-catching, yet they are layered in meaning.
His exhibition “Space is Here and You Are Looking at it” opened Thursday, Sept. 5 at the Westobou Gallery. One of the works is a 3D design featuring cheery, mix of pink, bright reds and blues with a dash of yellow and black and white.
“I saw this piece as a person who makes co-parenting calendars and does it weekly, When I saw an artful presentation of something that was very complicated and does not feel very creative, it was very moving to me,” said Matt Porter, Westobou executive director.
But upon further examination, there’s another detail that changes the face of the mixed media piece. The red, blue and pink items comprising the calendar are shotgun shells.
Gun violence is a theme that runs through Lockwood’s pieces.
Another work – American Weeds – looks like a metal sculpture of flowers. It too is made from bullets; its jagged design conveying additional emotions.
Lockwood also uses a lot of plastic in his art highlighting their use and their impact on the environment. Three distress flags made from plastic are an SOS call from the sea.
If you missed the member party on Thursday, there’s an artist talk at 5 p.m. Friday at the gallery.
While there, visit the MICRO gallery to see Baker Overstreet’s “Goblin Gazebo,” an eclectic mix of puppets – some a little creepy, some more fun.
The two exhibitions will be on display until Oct. 19.
Also on Friday is the opening of the 42nd “A Sense of Place” National Juried Competition at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art.
The 2024 Juror for “A Sense of Place” was artist Cheryl Goldsleger. Out of 352 entries, 54 artists from 16 states were selected, according to a news release from the Gertrude Herbert.
A reception will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Sept. 6, and the works will be on display through Oct. 11.
During that same time frame at the Gertrude Herbert is Artist Heather René Dunaway demonstrating “Chaos Quilting.” “This method is similar to the techniques she used to make several of the pieces featured in her ongoing exhibition, ‘Fix Yourself a Plate.’ Make a visit to see her sewing live in the gallery,” the release continued.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years and is a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
