Jeffery Hargrave & James Donaldson - KNOW MEANING

November 8, 2011

The Phatory is pleased to announce that Know Meaning with works by Jeffery Hargrave and James Donaldson is extended through January 28th, and will be open by appointment for the remainder of the show.

Jeffrey Hargrave

By transforming racist and homophobic iconography into comic parodies Jeffrey Hargrave chases viewers into corners where Matissian niggers collide, embrace and pose in bawdy scenarios that challenge you not to laugh. The problem is that it is hard to reconcile these warm and fuzzy feelings with the content of Hargrave’s symbology - especially, as there are so many frames of reference from which to respond to his use of the “n” image that one feels lost amongst them. Eventually, as no secure position is found, it becomes obvious that in addition to his formidable graphic skills creating conscience-driven dilemmas is Hargrave’s forte.

 

James Donaldson

James Donaldson, who Hargrave credits as his childhood mentor, is a self-taught artist who works in a variety styles that use the combination of subject and technique as the content of his stories which serve as visual gateways to his life experiences.

My paintings are conceived and created in a free spirited manner in order to allow the viewer to bring with him or her their own experiences and to create an environment to peruse and interpret the paintings in whatever manner befitting, therefore vicariously causing one to experience the freedom and pleasure which I had in creating the work.