Da Silva Gallery 897 Whalley Avenue New Haven, CT 06515 203-387-2539 www.westvillegallery.

com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Bob Albert balbert3@gmail.com 203-952-9778 Press images available upon request

Gordon Skinner Hard Works

September 20 - Octobert 19, 2012 Opening Reception September 20th 6-9pm New Haven, CT - Artist Gordon Skinner aptly describes his artwork as Integrity Art - Art that is real, honest, and promotes creative consistency. His solo show at the Da Silva Gallery in New Haven - Hard Works - The Artwork of Gordon Skinner, runs from September 20 to October 19. The title, a double entendre of sorts, describes Skinners collection of paintings comprised primarily of organic portraits that are given expression through the use of bold color, spontaneous brushwork, and a world of hard-edged personal history. In the mask-like visages that Skinner paints, lie revelations that are both personal and universal. Theyre reflections that confront some of the hard realities and pressing issues that exist all around us - but do not always press us to action. As an artist, Skinners work is also reminiscent of a tradition and movement known as Blues Impulse. This tradition follows a long list of artists of various mediums who have transformed their extenuating circumstances and hardships into extraordinary levels of visual content and artistic expression. This tradition is also highlighted in the personal expression of people who overcome adversity and express their stories through the oral tradition and the resilience in which they live their lives. Hard Works also touches on the work ethic required of the artist in creating a body of quality work, which in Skinners case, means working three jobs while simultaneously carving out time to paint. The result is not only an honest expression of an artist painting the world as he sees it, but also, by example encouraging others to work hard in pursuit of their lifes passions. In 2012 alone, Skinner has managed to generate the attention of the press surrounding his art. Having been featured as a guest on television programs CT Style and Better CT, featured articles by Hearst Publication and The New Haven Independent, having his work featured in The New York Times as well as being the subject of a final thesis paper for a Yale student. Skinners work has been exhibited in contemporary art galleries in CT as well as NYCs international annual Outsider Art Fair in Times Square. In addition to being the subject of a documentary by Take Notice Productions about his art, his paintings were also featured in a magazine photo shoot with celebrity fashion designers Coco and Breezy.

At the exhibition, viewers can expect to see paintings in a variety of mediums, on both canvas and wood. Debuting in this show, will be an introduction of a several family members in a series Skinner calls The Gohar Tribe. The series is a fictionalized family of individual portraits that are similar in aesthetic. The characters are all unique in their own right and display their own personal freedom of expression in their individuality. An opening reception with the artist will be held on September 20th at the Da Silva Gallery between 6-9pm. The exhibition will be on display at the gallery until October 19th. #####