OverKill Studio

For Immediate Release:
Salt Gallery Presents:
“Grew Up & Blew Up: Character Rehab”
An exhibit of new works by:
Thomas Buildmore, Scott Chasse, Chris Clark, Dan King, Kenji Nakayama and Morgan Thomas
September 3rd – October 22nd, 2010
Opening Reception: Sept 3, 6-9:30pm (Philly First Fridays)
Contact: Michael Veneziale
saltartgallery@gmail.com / (215)939-7426
www.saltgallery.com

Does stardom have an inevitable shelf life? As today’s technology and hyper-interconnectedness allow everyday people to become stars, Hollywood types and formerly untouchable CEOs are being uncloaked to reveal the everyday person within, complete with imperfections, shortcomings, and vices. With the playing field leveled to a certain degree by a media obsessed with celebrity faults and disaster, one has to consider the mortality of a career in or near the limelight.

With this in mind, Salt Gallery director Michael Veneziale has teamed-up with artist/curators Thomas Buildmore and Scott Chasse to present a body of work themed on the dark side of pop culture. In addition to Buildmore and Chasse, artists Chris Clark, Dan King and Morgan Thomas (all from Philly) along with Boston’s Kenji Nakayama will present works which reflect the over-saturation of the celebrity image, downfall of American icons, and public lynchings by the main stream media. Although the theme may sound grim, much of the artwork by these six artists visually contradicts the darkness with bold imagery, color, and/or humor. Including references to Tiger Woods, Henry Winkler, and Big Oil, the show contemplates whether or not the term “celebrity” itself, has indeed, jumped the shark.

Please join us for the opening reception on September 3rd from 6-9:30pm as part of Philly First Fridays.
Free and open to the public.

For Immediate Release:
OverKill Studio & Stupid Easy Present:
“Moustache Bar”
An exhibit of recent works created by Scott Chasse, curated by Thomas Buildmore
August 6th – 27th, 2010**
Opening Reception: Friday, August 6th, 5-10pm
RSVP for opening: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100192750034715
307 Market St., Philadelphia, PA
contact: Scott Chasse
(978) 270-1904 / scottchasse@gmail.com
www.stupideasyideas.com
www.scottchasse.com
**exhibit is viewable by appointment only after the opening; contact stupideasyideas@gmail.com to schedule a visit

Scott Chasse is a painter who, based on his most recent series of portraits, seems to be obsessed with two things: a painstaking process which requires accurate placement of thousands of black “dots” of paint to create an image, and Burt Reynolds.

“Moustache Bar”, the first solo exhibit for the NYC/Boston based artist, will delve deeper into a body of work which the artist has yet to explain beyond mere aesthetics. As complement to over twenty pieces featuring the likeness of Burt Reynolds, Chasse draws upon childhood memories to construct an installation consisting of found objects, sculpture, and artwork by other artists, forming a “basement bar” atmosphere, circa 1974 (the artist’s birth year). With potentially the most famous moustache in recent history anchoring the show and a 70’s bachelor pad being fabricated, Chasse aims to drown the viewer in themes of masculinity and machismo while considering the present day meaning of both. “I see young guys donning moustaches these days, and I often don’t know what to make of it,” he admits.

Whether you appreciate a good dose of upper-lip facial hair or not, “Moustache Bar” promises to be an entertaining presentation worthy of investigation.

Please join us for the opening reception on Friday, August 6th, 5-10pm.

Stupid Easy is located at 307 Market St. 2nd floor, Philadelphia, PA.

–
Scott Chasse
Community Arts Coordinator
The Distillery
www.distilleryboston.com