Sure, you could pay for therapy to gain a firmer grasp on the human experience. But if you want to save yourself some dollars (and tears), simply tour Figuratively Speaking at Blue Spiral 1 instead. Opening in early March in the Main Gallery, this group show “brings together 10 visionary artists who each offer their own interpretation of resilience, empathy, sexuality, confidence, and humor through their distinctive media,” reads a gallery statement. “… this group show delves deep into the many layers of what it means to be human — capturing our strengths, vulnerabilities, and everything in between.” Running concurrently in the Lower Level Gallery, Tattoo/Flash will celebrate tattooing as both an art form and a culture. Visitors can expect a range of works, from realistic paintings of tattoo shops to sgraffito tattoo imagery on clay. In the Small Format Gallery, Asheville contemporary artist Reuben Negrón will examine themes of intimacy, memory, and identity through watercolors and charcoal drawings. Meanwhile, in the Showcase Gallery, Justin Turcotte and Jon Rollins plan to push boundaries with experimental sculptures and abstract paintings. All shows run from March 7-April 23.
All shows: March 7-April 23; Opening Reception: Friday, March 7, 5-7pm
Blue Spiral 1 Fine Art + Craft / 38 Biltmore Ave., Asheville / bluespiral1.com