Richard Hill BGA Show - Joint Show With Myself

Richard Hill’s “Joint Show With Myself” solo exhibit at Belmont Gallery of Art March 3- April 12th.

 (Belmont, MA) - The Belmont Gallery of Art presents artist Richard Hill’s “Joint Show with Myself – Collective Iconographies and Story Paintings” March 3-April 12. The exhibit features 40 vibrantly colored acrylic paintings from Hill’s collection of iconic portraits assemblages as well as pieces from his story paintings that combine and re-imagine narrative stories incorporating ancient myths, folk tales and legends, The show’s opening reception is Friday, March 15th, 6-8pm. A Gallery Talk with Hill takes place March 24, 2 PM. Events are free and open to the public.

 Hill turned to painting after recently retiring from successful careers as a lawyer and nonprofit financial specialist.  Hill’s had no formal training in art, but is quick to mention that he learned much about making art by observing his artist mother working while growing up. “For eighteen years I lived in an art workshop,” he says.

 Hill describes his collection of “Group Iconographies,” as assembling and juxtaposing multiple iconic portraits and grouping them together thematically, resulting in a “sort of puzzle to be solved with portrait pieces.” “I want to leave the viewer free to explore the interplay of images and discover the unifying principal in the work,” says Hill.

 Hill’s Story Paintings are loosely inspired by pre and early – renaissance treatments of biblical or mythical accounts that used elements with disparate scales, chronology, geography, and even narratives. Hill’s paintings use these same techniques to invite viewers to search, explore and question what they see in each piece-but in a light-hearted way. “I want the reflection of my work to be engaging, not challenging,” says Hill.

 BGA administrator Juliana Rozeboom says, “Visitors to the “Joint Show With Myself” exhibit will find themselves intrigued by the images in Hill’s paintings, searching for recognition of the iconic portraits and possible hidden meanings within each one of his story paintings. It should make for a fun and interesting trip to the gallery.”

 Since opening its doors in July 2005, the Belmont Gallery of Art has presented over fifty shows featuring the work of dozens of local and regional artists. It has offered a professional architecturally significant place for artists to display their work and visitors to view such work. The recipient of a Gold Star Award from the Mass Cultural Council, the BGA has been praised throughout the community for its support and promotion of the arts and culture in Belmont.

 The Belmont Gallery of Art is located in the Town Hall Complex, on the 3rd floor of the Homer Bldg., 19 Moore St., Belmont Center. Hours for Richard Hill’s “Joint Show With Myself” are Thurs., and Fri. 10-4 and Sun. 1-4. Please visit the Belmont Gallery of Art’s website at www.belmontgallery.org for more information. Wheelchair accessible.