NEW MILFORD — Gallery 25 and Creative Arts Studio presents “Light’s Wake,” paintings and mixed media by James Fruit.
Just in time for Halloween, his paintings are spooky, fun and haunting, a release said.
The Featured Artist Show will runs though Oct. 31. The opening reception Saturday, Oct. 2 from 4-7 p.m.
This is also the opening of the “Shades of Red and Gold” members show.
“I find relief and pleasure in seeing horrifying things trapped safely in works of art,” Fruit said. His subject material is generally just things that scare or stimulate or otherwise bother him, the release said. “I pride myself in capturing weird dynamics and and unspeakable passions in sensible static compositions that succeed in evocation,” he said.
Using charcoal and natural pigments in muted classical mineral tints like burnt umber in loud rough shapes, he then allows eruptions of sizzling neon, or the glow of ghostly pastels and wet sloppy reds and pinks.
Utilizing palette knives and sponges and brushes and sometimes adding in his own photography and other media, he creates multiple layers using a wide range of materials.
After a five-year creative blockage, the time afforded Fruit as a result of a COVID-19 lockdown let him embrace new means of expression, the release said.
He has a Master’s degree in fine arts and is a graphic designer and digital artist. He is also a professional audio engineer and recording producer and is the sole proprietor of music and media art project, “Demon Mine” with multiple albums on Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music via Lava Monster Records, all featuring original cover art by the artist.
Gallery 25 is at 11 Railroad St. in New Milford and is sponsored by the New Milford Commission on the Arts. It’s open on Fridays from 4-7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit gallery25ct.com or email: Gallery25newmilfordct @gmail.com.