Enter the world of madness through the lens of self proclaimed “junk collector” and lowbrow pop surrealist artist Brad Chapman Bleau in “Step Right Up” at The Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Art Gallery. Bleau’s work is situated within material and visual culture, finding deep beauty in the dusty detritus of yesteryear, showing us that seemingly insignificant objects do in fact, have the capacity to be art. This series of work calls upon the commonality found in nostalgic associations we have with objects from our pasts and offers the opportunity for connection.
“By juxtaposing tangible, vintage objects with surreal painting motifs, the line between reality and the imagined becomes blurred,” said Chapman Bleau in an artist statement. An adjunct professor of drawing, painting and illustration at Worcester State, gallery curator of The Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery, as well as one of PULSE Magazine’s 2024 People to Watch, Chapman Bleau has also shown work in numerous galleries and museums across Massachusetts. He has won several awards including the Sara Parker painting prize from Fitchburg Art Museum and ArtsWorcester’s Material Needs grant.
The Opening Reception is Thursday, March 7 from 4 – 7 p.m. A Q & A with the artist will be held on Thursday, March 2 from 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Worcester State VPA’s Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery offers five main exhibits interspersed with shorter term events throughout the year. The gallery invites artists in all stages of their careers, along with faculty and students to exhibit works that explore the established, edgy, and innovative ideas in the artistic world. The gallery’s mission is to contribute to the cultural offerings of the region by exhibiting work of vitality and interest in the contemporary art world.
For more information regarding upcoming exhibitions and art offerings, contact the gallery at Gallery@worcester.edu or 508-929-8651, or visit the gallery online via wsuvpagallery.com. The gallery is open Wednesday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 1 – 5 p.m.
Top photo: Detail of Mr. Peanut by Brad Chapman Bleau
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