Can an oil painting be part of the “internet of things”? This is the question and more is explored in Joe Hedges’ latest exhibition, Hypercombines, opening Friday at Artworks in Loveland, CO. The artist is known for combining new media such as flatscreen televisions and smart phones with traditional oil painting to create works he calls Hypercombines. The works are painterly renderings of beautiful landscapes such as forest and oceans, but many have holes cut into the surfaces which reveal the tech inside. The overall effect is a bit jarring and provocative— one cannot help but think about how much time we spend on our phones, and how the use of our phones sometimes prevents us from being present in a location or moment.
Hedges notes that “Artists have always been among the first to try new technologies, and the internet is no exception. In the early days of the internet, it was mostly creative geeks like me who were online. Lately, I’ve been thinking about that history and remembering the internet for what is was originally: a highly creative medium. These days, the internet is mostly seen as a place to buy and sell things, including our attention. These works are a way for me to attempt to reclaim some of that early creative potential, or at least to try and make people think about the technology in a more objective way.”
Hypercombines will be on view at Artworks gallery in Loveland, CO from November 8th through December 18th.
Joe Hedges (b. 1980) is an intermedia artist who has developed an expansive practice that weaves together oil painting, new media, web art, installation etc. His projects often explore the effects of digital technologies on human experience.
www.joehedges.com
Artworks is home to several galleries as well as the largest Studio Artist Community in Northern Colorado dedicated to advancing the contemporary arts and visual artists. With desirable studio space and gallery space, artists are free to work solo or to take advantage of collaborative opportunities.
artworksloveland.org
On view Nov 8 through December 18
Standard Gallery Hours: Tues – Fri 1pm – 4pm
Sat noon – 4pm
