VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

Obsidian Gallery presents Gary Parkins: Machine Memoir & David Hardaker: Qui Judicas Terram. Artists David Hardaker and Gary Parkins unveil their new, interlocking work at the Obsidian Gallery. The gallery will host a reception for the artists on Friday, April 9, 6-9pm. A one night only event.

Gary Parkins
Gary is an artist’s artist. 20 years ago he was providing technical assistance to the likes of Ed and Nancy Kleinholz at the beginning of a career that has embraced novel materials and scientific applications in a drive to produce unique and lasting art. His latest efforts have produced machinery that makes both sculpture and drawings of an intense beauty.

The sculptures are made of tiny filaments of hot glue draped over fishing line over and over again. The created amorphous shapes control and refract light suggesting solidity, yet vibrating to music and swaying in the wake of a passing body. The drawings, using similar machinery, have countless tiny lines. Under the guidance of Gary these lines form ghostly shapes that appear to hover in space much like the sculptures.

David Hardaker
Starting out on the streets of Europe as a muralist, David has developed his own style of contemporary realist paintings. Using the poetry of Tyler Stoddard Smith as a starting point, he has created a world both mythic and impossible where the men are set against the women, water is spiritual currency and a dress code is required.

The two artists will combine in the Obsidian Gallery space in a way that one artist alone could not achieve.

Obsidian Gallery
Obsidian Gallery is committed to supporting local emerging and established artists. David Hardaker, Obsidian Gallery owner, has been active in the Houston art scene for over 10 years. Carrie Hardaker, David’s wife and gallery partner, has been involved in promoting art in both the public and private sector for the past 8 years.

Pictured above:  David Hardaker, detail “Chairman of the Water Board,” Oil on canvas, 36”x60.” Photo Credit: David Hardaker.  (full image below).