Knowing when to go is a difficult concept. There’s always that awkward moment when the conversation ends. Strikingly detrimental for the introverts out there, what do you say, where do I put my hands, maybe you stand in silence, maybe you tell a bad joke, or speed off in Silk da Shockers whip like in Maya’s 90’s hit appropriately titled. Regardless, the challenge of moving on is often met with tons of challenges, excitement, stress and exploratory ambitions, but it’s often timely. On display since September 13th, the exhibition titled Moving On has graced the walls of The Bonfoey Gallery (est. 1893) on Euclid Avenue. The history of this gallery alone is something to write home about, but the presence of the sentimental pieces by artist Darius Stewart shed a new light on the space.
The surrealist-ness of Stewarts moments are matched with tremendous pride of sharing something near and dear to his heart, his children. Family as subjects has always been a consistent thread throughout Stewart’s artistic evolution. If you’ve followed his work, you have seen the growth and can follow the long time narrative he is intending to create. The legacy of his mom is embodied and is something he constantly talks about as inspiration and motivation.
This past week Stewart gave a closing talk to a standing room crowd catching a glimpse of the work before the show ended on October 26th. He shared a glimpse of the quick rise of his career over the past few years stemming from a $75 sale to the Cleveland Clinic as a student, to standing amongst pieces ranging in price up to $10,000. The Cleveland Institute of Art graduate discussed art as something he knew, so he did it. The exploration of new mediums lead him to watercolors, which he described as finding his fresh air. A minimalist at heart, the accomplishments beginning to stack up are nothing minor. Coming off The Cleveland Arts Prize selection in 2018, numerous works being showcased at museums across the nation, a growing list of public art installations and a mention of exhibiting at Art Basel in Miami, Stewart is one to watch as he continues to move on to new challenges and accolades in the artist space. East Cleveland native and current Cleveland Museum of Art employee, Stewart plans to take his talents abroad soon following the footsteps of other greats.
Special should out for the implementation of the Yupo paper 🙂
MJ
SOURCES:
FeelSpace Blog 