Written by Katherine Rountree.
Photo by Katherine Rountree.
As part of the monthly Art March Savannah, the small but warm gallery of Sicky Nar Nar hosted a new exhibit that epitomizes surrealism and the abstract. “The Snake Oil Hangover Medicine Show and Burlesque,” which was on display April 4 from 7-10 p.m., is the brainchild of artists Alex Collins and Bryan Moreno.
Both artists are SCAD alumni living and working in Brooklyn, New York. They decided recently to return to Savannah to sell and show some of their best work.
The “Snake Oil” exhibit showcased the pair’s take on the surreal with nods toward their own roots and personal experiences. Exploring the use of paper and other materials, Collins and Moreno divided the exhibition space in half and forced viewers to move back and forth between them.
Collins, who was in attendance to discuss his work with the audience, filled his half of the exhibition space with small but powerful pieces. He mainly used small, abstracted shapes and subdued colors and his work focused on nature and technology’s interaction. All of the individual pieces were for sale with prices ranging fromm $50 to $175.
In contrast to Collins, Moreno chose to highlight the contrast of image and design. His medium-sized black and white prints displayed the repeated image of a human-like creature dealing with the world. The ideas shown were relatable but at times uncomfortable, and the oftentimes fantastical pieces allowed the viewers to experience a strong emotional reaction. Moreno’s use of high contrast and minimal texture left a big impression on the audience. Moreno sold prints of his work for $5 while the originals were priced at $20.
The event, which was all over Sicky Nar Nar’s Facebook page, brought out loyal fans of the gallery to experience this one time exhibition for Art March Savannah. Local college students, young artists and even some families attended while DJ Maggie Hayes provided music for the event. The music and busy conversation allowed for a fun atmosphere where everyone could enjoy themselves and the art on display.
For more information about Siky Nar Nar or the First Friday Savannah Art March please visit the following websites:
http://sickynarnar.squarespace.com
