Matt Wiseman's Mickey Mouth - Courtesy Wiseman and Semantics
The myth of the bohemian painter as a brooding,
heroic individual at odds with society has been an enduring aspect of public
perception since the late 19th century.
In truth, artists have historically
been less like troubled outsiders and more like the village blacksmith — hard
working professionals plying a learned trade, often with the aid of others.
This month’s exhibition at Semantics in Brighton, UPS: An Ugly Portrait Series, is rooted in the collaborative
process of days past. Consisting of a series of four “self-portraits” by
friends Matt Wiseman, Michael Willett, Jacob Isenhour and Geoff Cullen, the
works in the show were begun individually then exchanged with each other
cross-country via UPS for further elaboration. The gratifying results are a
mash-up of saccharine colors, curious juxtapositions and even a few
rhinestones. Hours: noon-4 p.m. Saturdays. Through Jan. 28.
