New work by John Erickson and "Flock and Awe, Art that Soars" (bird exhibit)

 PHILLIPS GALLERY PRESENTS: New work by John Erickson

 February 21– March 14 2025. Gallery Stroll/Artist’s Reception: February 21 6-9 PM Showing concurrently in our Dibble Gallery: Flock and Awe…Art that Soars

Hours: Tuesday through Friday: 10-6 PM Saturday: 10–4 PM

 John Erickson’s grasp of Realism and Renaissance space is nothing short of masterful. At the same time his love for Postmodern intuitive impulses is manifest. He pushes viewers to the edge of their comfort zones as they attempt to digest the complexity of his academic thoughts feelings and intuitions. Much of this new work explores the gap or crack between various assumptions about reality which surrender to contradiction and paradox. Homogeneity is suspect! Moments of Realism punctuate the chaos like condiments on a salad that needs a little protein. The landscapes don’t seem to suffer from this neurosis. They usually take 2 or 3 hours to complete and are painted on location “Plein Air.” I see them as postcards sent forward from the past by a prodigal who still praises nature in paint.”

In 1976 Erickson received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Utah studying under the direction of Alvin Gittins and V. Douglas Snow. He then attended The Summer Fellowship at Yale University studying with Wolf Kahn Louis Finkelstein and Philip Guston. He returned to the University of Utah and received his MFA in 1981. After graduating Erickson began teaching fine art at the University of Utah and has been an Assistant Professor there for more than 30 years. 

Flock and Awe…Art that soars

It has occurred to us that many of the artists represented at Phillips Gallery have involved birds in their artwork. Plus when it comes to themes for exhibits one would be hard pressed to come up with anything more delightful. And boy could we use something uplifting right now!

Being attentive to bird song is linked to stress reduction mood enhancement cognitive restoration and even increased productivity. Throughout history our feathered friends have been known to symbolize many things. Whatever they represent for you we certainly benefit by having them in this world. Sadly according to the Audubon Society rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns affect their ability to find food and reproduce which over time impacts local populations. During this exhibit we hope to bring awareness of their plight.

Phillips Gallery celebrating Utah artists since 1965.

Host or Publisher Phillips Gallery