{"id":309,"date":"2011-02-04T16:16:45","date_gmt":"2011-02-04T21:16:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/vermontartguide.com\/content\/?p=309"},"modified":"2011-02-07T10:15:13","modified_gmt":"2011-02-07T15:15:13","slug":"if-such-a-thing-exists-then-yes-mikey-welsh-at-helen-day-art-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vermontartguide.com\/content\/if-such-a-thing-exists-then-yes-mikey-welsh-at-helen-day-art-center\/","title":{"rendered":"If such a thing exists, then yes: Mikey Welsh at Helen Day Art Center"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Exhibition runs January 21-April 17, 2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mikey Welsh is a self-taught representational and abstract painter based in Burlington. \u00a0His work reflects the strong influence of Jean-Michel Basquiat along with Joan Mitchell, late Willem DeKooning and Jackson Pollock. \u00a0What is most exciting is Welsh\u2019s assimilation of these styles, and the emergence of his own. \u00a0His background as a musician (Welsh was the bassist for the superband Weezer for five years), and his untrained approach to painting have created in him a freedom with paint, mark-making and scale.<\/p>\n

He gives himself permission to defy convention while influenced by these past masters. \u00a0The result is an exuberant collection of work through which we can see Mikey\u2019s soul. \u00a0Through this window he is at times beset by demons, emotionally fractured, manic, meditative, and joyous. \u00a0Though all of these states are present, never is there any sign of retreat. \u00a0Mikey is a survivor and an achiever. \u00a0The practice of painting, and creating art in the isolation of his studio may be Welsh\u2019s wilderness, but the products of his wandering and his hands are glorious, uninhibited shouts to the world… \u201cI am HERE!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>If he makes his artwork in this wilderness, do we hear it? \u00a0We do. \u00a0Welsh exists fully integrated in the modern realm of social media and in the established world of real people. \u00a0He has built a strong network of creative peers in Vermont, and combines this with \u201cthe cloud\u201d of interested fans through Facebook, Outsiderart.com and others. \u00a0These connections are a cure for the isolation of the studio, and are analogous to his studio practice as a musician, where he had the constant feedback and collaboration of his peers.<\/p>\n

Distorted faces and figures leap from the canvas. \u00a0A semi-self portrait on a bright red field holds up its hands in mock surrender. \u00a0Layers on layers on layers of flowers build up on two panels, increasing the complexity of the image and become an engulfing screen. A chaos of color, strokes and swipes reveals itself to be many layers of broad strokes partially masking those before, the holes in the last layer yielding exciting depth and a sophisticated palette. \u00a0These are Welsh\u2019s paintings – simultaneously assaulting the viewer, reflecting the viewer and -in time- embracing you.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m convinced that Mikey\u2019s works are both for himself and gifts to the world. \u00a0He seems un-conflicted about selling work, and intentionally creates some artwork that is smaller and thus less expensive, catering to a broad audience of fans and collectors – \u201cLook, there is something here for everyone\u201d. \u00a0He understands that the work is not complete until it has been consumed and appreciated by others. \u00a0While he doesn\u2019t make work based on what he thinks will sell, he is clearly inspired and fueled by the response of the public.<\/p>\n

Welsh has shown broadly since immersing himself in painting in 2001. \u00a0His first major exhibition was, appropriately, at Paradise Rock Club in Boston, MA. \u00a0He has shown at Montanaro Gallery in Newport, RI; BRIK Gallery in Catskill, NY; and The Amy E. Tarrant Gallery at the Flynn Center in Burlington, Vermont. \u00a0–Nathan Suter, Executive Director, Helen Day Art Center<\/p>\n

Helen Day Art Center<\/strong>
\n90 Pond St.
\nStowe, VT 05672
\n(802) 253-8358
\nWEBSITE<\/a>
\nGallery Hours: Wednesday to Sunday Noon to 5PM and by appointment<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Mikey Welsh is a self-taught representational and abstract painter based in Burlington. His work reflects the strong influence of Jean-Michel Basquiat along with Joan Mitchell, late Willem DeKooning and Jackson Pollock. His background as a musician and his untrained approach to painting have created in him a freedom with paint, mark-making and scale.<\/p>\n

Read more →<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":310,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11,3],"tags":[14,76],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/vermontartguide.com\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/web-MikeyWelshSometimesTheBadThingsAreClear.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4SHp1-4Z","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3956,"url":"https:\/\/vermontartguide.com\/content\/spring-2017-exhibitions-at-brattleboro-museum-art-center\/","url_meta":{"origin":309,"position":0},"title":"Spring 2017 Exhibitions at Brattleboro Museum & Art Center","date":"April 1, 2017","format":"gallery","excerpt":"Located in historic Union Station at the foot of Main Street in downtown Brattleboro, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center has cultivated a stellar reputation over the years for engaging and thoughtful exhibitions and quality programming. Six exhibitions opened on March 18 and all run through June 18. Mary Welsh:\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Exhibitions"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vermontartguide.com\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/mary-welsh-room-with-a-view-ii.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4426,"url":"https:\/\/vermontartguide.com\/content\/constellations\/","url_meta":{"origin":309,"position":1},"title":"Constellations","date":"August 28, 2017","format":"gallery","excerpt":"\"Constellations: Roger Sandes\" September 1, 2017-January 8, 2018 Artist reception during Brattleboro Gallery Walk, Friday, September 1, 5:30-8:30PM \"Constellations: Roger Sandes\" features 21 paintings created by the artist over the past 27 years. According to BMAC's chief curator, Mara Williams, the exhibit is organized as a series of constellations, each\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Exhibitions"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vermontartguide.com\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/roger-sandes-shadowplay.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5382,"url":"https:\/\/vermontartguide.com\/content\/exposed-2018\/","url_meta":{"origin":309,"position":2},"title":"Exposed. 2018","date":"August 23, 2018","format":"gallery","excerpt":"ART ON VIEW Exposed. at Helen Day Art Center in Stowe July 21-October 20, 2018 \"Exposed\" is a long-standing annual outdoor sculpture exhibition in Stowe. 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