Show features artist reception Oct. 3, gallery discussion Oct. 29

The familiar becomes twisted, morphed and surreal in Emily Davis Gallery’s new exhibition, “Stranger Beings: Hieronymus Objects & Other Curiosities.” The exhibit features works from the regional Hieronymus collection, including pieces from Kiki Smith, Keith Haring, David Salle and Tip Toland, in conjunction with six Ohio artists to create evocative imagery through a variety of mediums. The result is a fusion of hyperrealism with a sensual masquerade of the bizarre.

“Stranger Beings” is on view through Nov. 22 and features an artist reception at the gallery Thursday, Oct. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. On Oct. 29 at 6 p.m., there will be a discussion with Rick Rogers, owner of Hieronymus. The talk will focus on collecting art. The Emily Davis Gallery is located at Folk Hall on the University of Akron Main Campus, 150 E. Exchange St., in Akron.

The Hieronymous collection will join the work of six Ohio-based artists, including Mark Giangaspero, Drew Ippoliti, Kelly McLaughlin, Erin Taylor Mulligan, Frank Oriti and Katy Richards.

Artwork from Hieronymus has been previously displayed in “Gross Anatomies” at the Akron Art Museum in 2017 and at “Pish Posh” during Front 2018. The collection borrows its name from the artist Hieronymus Bosch, whose work subverts convention through fantastic representations of humans and the world that simultaneously inspire terror and delight. This aesthetic is mirrored by a collection composed of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, prints, decorative arts, and other mediums that straddle the line between the vulgar and the sacred.

Hieronymusobjects.com states that the collection “is built around an appreciation for experimentation; sensuous, biomorphic forms; refined, carefully wrought materials; a sense of humor and whimsy.” Masterful technique and craft are other unifying characteristics of this collection.

Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For info, call (330) 972-5950, email [email protected], or visit www.uakron.edu/art/galleries or www.facebook.com/EmilyDavisGallery/.