Exhibit: Severn Eaton at PUSH Gallery

See What Inspired Me is the title of Severn Eaton's newest exhibit at PUSH Gallery in downtown Asheville. Known for his narrative paintings that reflect on the cultural milieu of neoliberalism, Eaton's new show heralds his familiar anti-consumerist perspective but contains no paintings. Instead, Eaton uses images and slogans cut from billboard advertisements to create an environment that is sensationally grotesque. At this close range the onslaught of bright colors and pixelated food is both horrifying and fascinating.

In the middle of the room two life-sized human forms made out of clear packing tape are connected to a box and breathe in and out when activated -- literally deflating and inflating each other. The kinetic rigging of this sculpture is pretty amazing and lends a compelling interactive element to the show.

Pop into PUSH Gallery and Skateshop at 25 Patton Ave and see for yourself before the show comes down later this month.

Read Kyle Sherard's review for the Montain Xpress: See What Inspired Severn Eaton

Visit www.severneaton.com to see more.

Tami-Lu Barry

Collage art is kind of like the acoustic guitar of the art wold. Everyone knows at least a few songs, but the special ones are those who develop a distinct and authentic voice with their instrument.

I recently came across the playful collages and paintings of Tami-Lu Barry at Downtown Books and News and was drawn to her energetic use of materials. If her work had a personality I would imagine it to be something like Marilyn Monroe's acting in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. At first glance the work seems kitschy and effusive, but it took smarts to make it that way.

Barry seems to be unapologetically self-referential, since her name is often incorporated into the work as a predominant design element. I appreciate that kind of chutzpah in art.

DBN also carries Barry's "Go Make Something" kits, which are nothing more than a bunch of random scraps of things packaged together, but done in such a way that you actually want to buy the kit and use it. Again, it took smarts to make such a simple concept so appealing.

http://www.myspace.com/tamilusart