On June 21, ABV Gallery opened its doors to three distinct exhibitions, providing a platform for local artists and the world of puppetry to merge creatively.
The featured exhibitions include “Locals Only,” which showcases Georgia-themed artworks from over 80 local artists, and “Through the Lens,” which highlights the work of four talented photographers.
In an innovative partnership, ABV Gallery has also collaborated with the Center for Puppetry Arts to integrate puppetry into the gallery’s offerings.
While the puppetry exhibit may feel like a secondary addition amid the vibrant paintings, the collaboration reflects the shared philosophy of these two Atlanta institutions.
Both ABV Gallery and the Center for Puppetry Arts aim to subvert traditional notions of fine art, emphasizing artworks that are accessible and resonate with a broad audience.
Notably, standing tall in the main gallery is Professor Pöschl, a prominent puppet designed by Jason Hines for the Center’s stage production of Tesla vs Edison.
With its exposed clockwork brain and skeletal features, the puppet embodies themes of creativity and mortality, aptly reflecting Hines’ journey as a creator of life through puppetry.
Hines plays a significant role in the pop-up exhibit, showcasing not only his designs, such as the beloved Pete the Cat puppets, but also presenting documentary materials that trace the Center’s mission and history in puppetry.
As the artistic director, Hines has spent over two decades shaping the puppet scene in Atlanta, culminating in his recent work on a grand multi-headed dragon puppet for The Atlanta Opera’s production of Siegfried.
This 10-foot-tall creature, known as Fafner, exemplifies the intricacies of puppetry, requiring a collective performance by seven puppeteers to fully bring it to life.
The connection to the iconic Jim Henson is an intrinsic part of the narrative in the exhibit, as Henson’s influence reverberates throughout the realm of puppetry and extends to contemporary artists in both exhibitions.
At ABV Gallery, one artist who channels this influence is Colin Sims, whose oil painting titled “An Orderly Transfer” features a MARTA passenger accompanied by whimsical figures reminiscent of Muppets.
This interaction raises questions about the nature of these figures, whether they are simply toys, dormant puppets, or animated companions in an urban setting – a deliberate ambiguity that adds depth to the artwork.
While references to puppetry in the “Locals Only” exhibit are few, the spirit of creative expression remains a strong unifier between the two organizations.
ABV Gallery continues to celebrate its street art roots while embracing a variety of unconventional materials and techniques that challenge artistic norms.
For instance, Amberly Hui Hood utilizes colorful silicone in a textural creation titled “Dragnonfruit,” showcasing the gallery’s penchant for vibrant and imaginative works.
The exhibition also features Peter Ferrari’s “Andre,” an engaging portrait that combines layers of spray-painted MDF to create a captivating composition.
The subject matter in “Locals Only” embodies an anything-goes philosophy, encouraging artists to draw from Georgia’s rich culture, history, and landscapes.
One standout piece is Artetak’s “Billy Bob Fritter,” a playful homage to an animatronic character from Six Flags Over Georgia’s dark ride, which evokes nostalgia and commentates on shifts in cultural perceptions.
Highlighting the gallery’s experimental edge, artist BIGTEEFF presents “Street Wings,” a piece that incorporates actual chicken bones set into a canvas designed to evoke litter-strewn street scenes found in Atlanta.
This commentary on urban life dynamically blends refuse with fine art, raising questions about taste and artistic merit.
Amidst the various exhibits, one cheeky addition within the puppetry showcase serves as a playful reminder for gallery visitors.
Perched above in the main gallery, the puppets Statler and Waldorf from The Muppet Show look down at the onlookers with an air of humor, inviting them to enjoy the experience without taking themselves too seriously.
Ultimately, the exhibitions at ABV Gallery not only elevate the local art scene by intertwining distinct artistic disciplines but also invite patrons to explore and challenge their perceptions of what constitutes art.
The unique collaboration between ABV Gallery and the Center for Puppetry Arts enriches both experiences while reinforcing the idea that art, in all its forms, is meant to be enjoyed and accessible to all.
image source from：artsatl
