New Work & Bad News

On Saturday September 24th, I went to The Green Gallery East for the opening of NEW WORK: Richard Galling and BAD NEWS: Ian Hokin. It was my first time at the gallery. It was small and pleasant, and the building itself is interesting as a gallery, as it seems to be an old gas station or perhaps some form of burger/custard stand? Richard Galling’s paintings were modern and colorful, something I could see hanging in my apartment. They were made up of stenciled patterns using repetition and striking, intersecting lines and shapes. “The work is a kind of reiteration of the appearance of 'appearance' in today's culture.” (John Riepenhoff) They sort of reminded me of patterns on clothing that are found today and the mid nineties. I could see them being sold at a place like Urban Outfitters to young college kids. Ian Hokin’s work were more narrative and felt very amateur. There was no real style except that he liked the paint to go on very thick. His were images were ones “that have sprung from his unconscious while either asleep or floating in sensory deprivation tanks.” (J.R) They were full of creepy-looking, long-limbed men and random objects. I didn’t like them too much. Overall, I would agree with Carl Bogner in that “There wasn’t much to consider.”