Back to back shifts seem to be somewhat of a recurring theme in the life of artist Gordon Skinner. As if it were right in line with the concept of his current solo exhibition, “Hard Works” will be on view at the Afro-American Cultural Center at Yale. Coming off the heels of being on display in September at the Da Silva Gallery in the Westville section of New Haven, the exhibition will continue at the Cultural Center’s gallery starting October 13th. The artwork in the exhibition is comprised of expressionistic paintings, many of them colorful portraits with brush strokes filled of intensity and emotion. Some of the works are composed on canvas, some wood and found objects and many with textured layers of paint and other medium. Skinner, who is based in New Haven identifies his style of art as “Integrity Art”. Through his art he’s taken upon himself to confront hard pressing issues like social and personal identity, inner conflict, spirituality, race relations, poverty and self empowerment amongst others. Hence the play on words of the exhibitions title “Hard Works”. At the same time his paintings can be light hearted and fun, being inspired by everyone from Picasso, de Kooning to Dr. Seuss and even the 80’s cult characters of the Garbage Pail Kids.
Hard Works will be on view from October 13th through November 12th at the Afro-American Cultural Center on 211 Park Avenue. The opening reception will be on October 13th from 4-6pm.
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