CELEBRATING THE ARTS
MixHaus Gallery is presenting new abstract primitive paintings by Michael Snodgrass, a Sante Fe-based artist, during a solo exhibition of new works on view March 6-April 5, with an opening reception 2-6 p.m. Saturday, March 7.
Snodgrass is widely recognized for his distinctive “Abstract Primitive” style: bold, expressive works influenced by the Neo-Expressionist movement of 1980s New York.
His paintings are known for their carved, figurative forms, heavily layered paint and wax, and subtle humor that often nods to the quirks and contradictions of modern life.
“I describe my work as abstract primitive with a dose of humor and often a subtle poke at the foibles of modern society,” Snodgrass said. “I render my figures in a crude and emotional way: scratches, splashes, drips and vivid color. The paintings are created with a lot of joy.
“I had a ball making this body of work. When I was invited to exhibit at MixHaus Gallery, I was delighted at the idea of exposing my work to a new audience. I’ve always found Texans to be welcoming and fun-loving, and I hope this work connects in that same spirit,” Snodgrass added.
Working exclusively on wood panels, Snodgrass approaches painting with unusual intensity. He vigorously attacks the surface using unconventional tools -- sticks, screwdrivers, plastering trowels, torches, and even his bare hands -- building surfaces that feel both raw and refined.
The result is work that feels immediate, tactile and unapologetically alive. Snodgrass spent his childhood between Napa Valley and the San Francisco Bay area before moving to San Francisco shortly after high school. As a teenager, he secured a position assisting artist Irwin Friedman, quickly developing strong technical skills in paint handling, color and composition.
Within a year, he was producing and selling his own cityscapes, distributing hundreds of paintings through wholesale decorators. After stepping away from fine art for more than three decades to work as a cabinetmaker, builder and furniture designer, Snodgrass returned to the art world in the mid-1990s following a move to Santa Fe, New Mexico.
He initially focused on sculpture, creating animal forms from reclaimed wood and scrap metal and developing a deep appreciation for tribal, Pre-Columbian, and Mexican folk art.
In 2000, he resumed painting and built a substantial collector base across the United States and internationally. He now lives and works in Santa Fe, maintaining an active studio practice.
MixHaus Gallery is located at 716 High St. in the heart of historic Comfort, Texas. The gallery’s focus is on mixed media and multidisciplinary artists.
For information visit www.mixhausgallery. com, email [email protected], or follow #mixhausgallery on Instagram and Facebook.
Hill Country Council for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) organization. HCCArts’ mission statement is to develop and maintain an environment that supports and promotes awareness, appreciation, education and access to all the arts in Kendall County and the Texas Hill Country.
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