Gallery East: Hosts Brian Hoover exhibit
Celebrated artist and Southern Utah University Associate Professor of Art, Brian Hoover, finishes Gallery East’s professional artists series, March 1-31.
“This show is unlike any other CEU has hosted.
“Brian’s works are full of subtle imagery and sometimes irony. Some of the pieces will make you laugh and others will scare you,” gallery director Brent Haddock stated.
“My work is often described as surreal, but I associate myself more with a group of artists working in late 19th century Europe called the Symbolists.
This archived article was written by: R Jensen
Celebrated artist and Southern Utah University Associate Professor of Art, Brian Hoover, finishes Gallery East’s professional artists series, March 1-31.
“This show is unlike any other CEU has hosted.
“Brian’s works are full of subtle imagery and sometimes irony. Some of the pieces will make you laugh and others will scare you,” gallery director Brent Haddock stated.
“My work is often described as surreal, but I associate myself more with a group of artists working in late 19th century Europe called the Symbolists.
“Like the Symbolists, mythical and even quasi-religious themes occur in my work – usually humans and animals acting out some ambiguous but hopefully fascinating narrative,” stated Hoover in the exhibit’s catalog.
Noting that some of his paintings somewhat resemble illustrated nursery rhymes, Hoover admits religion, myth and cultures have influenced his paintings.
“I am particularly interested in late Gothic and early Renaissance paintings.
“These works convey more than just descriptive imagery. They were beautiful, powerful, and often fearsome objects of reverence.
“I use intricate patterns, precious metals, and enigmatic imagery to try to create a sense of powerful myth and magic in the hope that I may create my own objects of reverence,” states the exhibit’s catalog, quoting Hoover.
Comprised of oils and gold leaf, “Brain’s paintings masterfully depict humans and animals with an academic perfection in detail,” commented Haddock.
Hoover has been the featured artist in shows across the country.
His exhibit at Gallery East marks the first time the entire Harbinger series and “Agave Goddess” will simultaneously be displayed in one location.
Several of Hoover’s paintings are on loan from private collectors for this exhibit only.
The Brian Hoover exhibit was made possible by the generous support of Southern Utah University, College of Eastern Utah, Utah Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts, Washing, D.C.
Gallery East patrons may purchase Hoover’s art from A Gallery, Salt Lake City, (801) 277-8401. Hoover’s new work may be viewed online, www.brianhoover.com/.
For additional information regarding Hoover’s exhibit, mail requests, or to schedule after-hours or group showings, please call Brent Haddock, 613-5225.
Gallery East is located in the SAC, just east of the college library. Patrons must enter the gallery through the west entrance.
Regular gallery hours are 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Gallery East will host its final exhibit in April, the annual student show. Entries were due Friday, March 19.
