Go see Alea Hurst’s intriguing thesis exhibition on April 12
SCAD M.F.A. painting candidate presents her latest show, 'Full Disclosure'
Three years into fruition, SCAD M.F.A. painting candidate, Alea Hurst will showcase her works of screen prints mixed with paintings in her thesis show, “Full Disclosure” at Mason Fine Art and Events from April 12 to May 11. The opening reception is April 12, 6-9 p.m. Her body of work is an infusion of pattern, fashion and culture that explores the purpose of the mask and analyzes its place in the evolution of society.
Juxtaposed against patterned fabric backdrops, the figures in her paintings wear traditional tribal and cultural masks. The masks are not meant to hide the figure’s identity, but instead “become representative of the characteristics of the wearer’s soul or personality,” said Hurst. The masks seek to reveal, not conceal. Hurst explained, “the traits that were wished to be kept secret are now the focus of the portrait and revealed by the mask.
The series began with traditional white theatre masks that later evolved into the vibrant, decorative masks in her current body of works. The trigger, Hurst explained, was her nightmares about people who wore them. That was the “breaking point” which caused her to change the direction of her art. She merged her interests in fashion and painting, experimenting with mixed media after working on a class project that utilized unconventional found objects. The influences resulted in an intriguing hybrid of traditional painting techniques and thought-provoking contemporary concepts.
Inspired by Rococo and Baroque art and architecture, the installation of the exhibition was designed based on the notion of a “Great Portrait Hall” that went beyond displaying work on a white wall.
Hurst’s works had been showcased in national and international exhibitions, including Artist’s Republic Gallery, Beep Beep Gallery, Hartsfield-Jackson International airport and Mason Murer Fine Art.
To learn more about Hurst and her works, visit her website here.
Mason Fine Art and Events
415 Plasters Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: 404.879.1500
Opening Hours
Tuesday through Friday
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Noon to 5 p.m.
