The opening reception is Friday evening, from 6 to 9 p.m.
North Bay artist Geoff Sullivan’s first solo exhibition has been unveiled at the WKP Kennedy Gallery at the Capitol Centre. The opening reception is Friday evening, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Sullivan named the exhibit “Death Bloom,” as some of the works explore themes of death, life, and the beautiful balance they share. His images often present strong contrasts, bold lines, and symmetrical designs. Sullivan explained to BayToday that his influences are vast, drawing from his love of music, movies, comics, and tattoo flash art.
Once mixed, those influences create an exhibition that feels very rock and roll in its energy. Even the name “Death Bloom” is a riff on Mudvayne’s song “Death Blooms,” a title that has resonated with Sullivan for years — an inspiring idea that weaved its ways through his own artistic visions.
“That name just kind of resonated with me, and helped formulate what I wanted for my look and my style,” Sullivan said.
Those taking in the exhibit will connect Sullivan’s work with tattoo flash art, as many images are bold, vibrant, and would fit in well on a traditional tattooist’s studio wall. Sullivan explained he has always been attracted to the style of those tattoo traditionalists and draws a lot of inspiration from tattoo culture in general.
Sullivan has displayed his work at other shows at the Kennedy Gallery, particularly the annual Christmas show. However, he assured fans of his art that this exhibit offers plenty of new canvases to behold. He also encouraged everyone to come out, especially those who may not usually frequent art galleries.
For him, the show is a way to make his artwork accessible to everyone, and he’s really looking forward to chatting about art in all forms with people who come out for the opening reception.
Sullivan said, “I want everyone to feel welcome, and I don’t want anyone to feel left out. I’m interested in hearing people’s stories, and I draw a lot of inspiration from them. I love cinema, music, video games, comic book art, anime, and all of that comes through in my work.”
As soon as Sullivan could draw, he did and continued to do so throughout his life. In the heyday of his band, I May Profess, when Sullivan wasn’t behind the kit, he designed a lot of the band’s posters and promotional art. Band life requires plenty of collaboration and drawing inspiration from others, a philosophy Sullivan takes into his graphic art as well.
“There are some amazing artists that I have these connections with, and I like to stay connected and see how they’re doing and what they’re working on,” Sullivan said. “I think that’s the biggest thing, just surrounding yourself with people and ideas to keep you motivated and on the right track.”
And that track has led to the WKP Kennedy Gallery, where Sullivan’s show runs until March 7. The opening reception, which Sullivan will attend, takes place this Friday, February 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. The gallery is located within the Capitol Centre at 150 Main Street, in North Bay.
Admission is free.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.