'Nature: an Auspicious Aesthetic'

Show Description:

In his M.F.A. thesis exhibition of chimerical landscape paintings, “Nature: an Auspicious Aesthetic”, Dave Hamann returns to the woods as a visual steward and weighs humanity’s fragile relationship with nature. Recalling a childhood spent in the outdoors, Hamann weaves a cautionary tale between the mediated imagery of social media and our need for nature as a healing entity, both physiologically and psychologically. The landscapes, infused with light and shadow, manifest themselves on the painted surface with the oscillating color of memory and imagination.

About the Artist:

When not polishing the combat boots he wore while serving in the United States Marine Corps Presidential Honor Guard, David can be found texting his brother for advice about writing bios. He’s learned that intros should grab attention, the more pop the better.

David’s brother suggests that the second paragraph should be all business. Here’s where David will mention all the positions he’s held over the years. Like waiter, sous chef, cement truck driver, commercial photographer, paid extra on Dawson’s Creek and trainer of dogs and near perfect color vision. Impressive. And to really connect with the reader, David’s brother suggests mentioning an honest, if somewhat tarnished, mid-western upbringing and work ethic. David knows how to work!

To keep the reader guessing, David’s brother would suggest switching gears and talking about the new venture, painting. “Mention how you trained with the Russian monk, the one who studied at the Russian Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg Russia”. Now there’s a hook! Private lessons with an Imperially trained artist - impressive! “Mention getting accepted into the MFA program at SCAD”. Nice suggestion David’s brother!

All bios wind down, and David’s is no exception. At this point he’d mention his impressive collection of all black clothing and berets. And something about his love for painting portraiture but having a secret desire to explore landscapes! (And that artist’s statement, heavy huh?)

To further the “I’m really a nice guy ruse”, David should probably finish his bio with a wink to his amazing wife (the one who has put up with all his crap over the years) all his kids, and his many dogs. David’s brother would probably suggest closing with a joke, but this is a family show so nothing in David’s repertoire is appropriate.

This calendar listing is brought to you by Peak Radar, the Pikes Peak region's one-stop, online website for arts and entertainment events, powered by the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region.