Hard Light

Hard Light
New works by Robert Hardgrave and Warren Dykeman
November 10 – December 2, 2006
Artist Reception Friday November 10 6pm - 10pm
BLVD Gallery 2316 2nd ave Seattle Wa 98121
BLVD Gallery

BLVD Gallery is proud to present “Hard Light”, an exhibition of new works by Robert Hardgrave and Warren Dykeman, two of the most impressive talents to emerge from the Seattle urban contemporary arts movement. Both of these artists have worked with the prestigious Los Angeles gallery BLK/MRKT, Warren Dykeman was included in the genre defining BM01 group show and subsequent book in January 2006 and Robert Hardgrave with a very successful show there this past July. These two artists are a testament to the diverse and unique range of talents that have emerged in the past few years here in Seattle that are gaining recognition nationally.


"Substrate" Robert Hardgrave 2006

Robert Hardgraves current work deals with death in an positive light. They are ideas about reincarnation and life beyond death, often reflecting about the cadaveric donor and the life he lead on borrowed time. Roberts work has been informed by his own health issues, in 2003 he received a new kidney from a cadaveric donor which soon after developed Lymphoma due to medication complications. Discovering six months of chemotherapy were necessary, he decided that if he was able to plow through this obstacle, he would treat himself to making art full time. In November of 2003, Robert was considered in remission and today he is living the life disease awakened. Regarding his work Robert quotes Carl Jung, “As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.”


"Hoser" Warren Dykeman 2006

A fascination with merging industrial textures, illustration, street art and commercial art compels Warren Dykeman to paint. An avid cyclist, His paintings and drawings are combinations of imagery culled from his rides through trainyards, hand sign lettering seen on the road, his sketch books and snippets of conversations heard in passing. Warrens recent work incorporates a kind of coded visual language reminiscent of the “Hobo” art that is seen on the sides of boxcars, a language that was developed to communicate locations or situations that could either harm or benefit other rail enthusiasts in plain view. Warren Dykemnan received a BFA from Western Washington University with an emphasis on painting and graphic art and is a full-time Graphic Artist in downtown Seattle.