Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

”Christmas is the only time of year where you can sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of socks.”

Merry Christmas you filthy animal.

 Atlantic Works Gallery announces that its December  will be an exhibition by Eric Hess and elfin friends called Jingle Bells Batman Smells. The exposition is a subjective and kitschy look at the objectivity of Christmas in the early 21st century. Objects are great!!!

Work will be photography installation conceptual art and objects from Hess’s unusual holiday collection. During the opening reception there will be a performance piece involving a 6ft mischievous living Christmas Duck that is inspired from one of Hess’s most beloved and somewhat creepy holiday ornaments. The duck will be more naughty but still nice. There will be a station for people to pose for portraits inspired by The Awkward Family Christmas Photos series. Tacky sweaters turtlenecks and hats will be provided. Screw the nice list this year let’s go crazy!”

As a child I Eric Hess had a stern and scary Marine captain corporate-leader father. Living with him could be like walking on eggshells you didn’t know what mood he would be in. He could be great fun but a lot of time he was mean. His fun could mean as well. Once a year Dad who we called The Great Santini would melt away and this cross man would hoist all the glittery plastic cheap ornaments from Caldor’s and scatter them all over the house. This was much to the chagrin of my architect mother who designed our modern 1970’s home. It was like he was Scrooge after the ghosts and I was Tiny Tim with a fat goose to eat. He was The Grinch and I was the hurt little dog riding into Whoville. It always felt joyous and festive to his fantastical gay son(me). To this day I still have a love of the chaos and fascination with weirdness of the holiday season. This show is for my Dad who passed away 15 years ago.

Eric Hess has been a photographer living in Boston since 1999. He came to Beantown from New York City to attend The New England School of Photography. He has had his studio in East Boston for 23 years and is one of the founding members of Atlantic Works Gallery established in 2003. He works as a professionally as photographer and makes art in several mediums. He has been a member of The Biennial Project a humorous conceptual art and performance collaborative that has shown and performed in places like Venice Havanna New York City but not Worcester.

In conjunction with the holiday theme of this show Atlantic Works in conjunction with Eastie Elves is asking that visitor bring unwrapped toys for kids in our neighborhood. 

We are also asking people to enter our East Boston Holiday Decoration contest. Any home that wishes to enter should email Eric Hess at [email protected]. We will go to the homes listed during the week of December 9th and award what we feel are our favorite homes. Winner will be announced at our Third Thursday reception on December 19th. Winners will be highlighted on our social media.

Atlantic Works Gallery Jingle Bells Batman Smells (details)

· Show opens Saturday December 7 2024

· Opening Reception: December 5 2024 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

· Third Thursday December 19th 2024 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

· Show closes Saturday December 28th

Atlantic Works Gallery 80 Border Street Boston MA 02128 

Entering its twenty-second year AWG is an artist-run collaborative space for art and ideas located in East Boston. The gallery is open to the public every Friday and Saturday 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. For private viewing contact [email protected]. For more information visit https://atlanticworks.org

May your holiday be merry bright and just a little bit weird—because that’s what makes it memorable.”

Host or Publisher Atlantic Works Gallery