One of St. Pete’s most recognizable artists is looking back on 20 years of work, while more than 30 artists explore skulls, skeletons, and transformation in the galleries at the Morean Arts Center (719 Central Ave).

Now on view are Shapeshifter: New and Select Works by Palehorse, a retrospective of work from St. Petersburg artist Chris Parks (aka Palehorse), and Practice Dying: A Skull & Bones Exhibit, a dazzling group show featuring local and national artists. The two exhibitions opened side-by-side on October 10, connected by themes of transformation and change.

Featured artwork by Chris Parks, aka Palehorse

Celebrating 20 years of Palehorse

For longtime followers of St. Pete’s art scene, Shapeshifter offers a chance to see how much Chris Parks’ work as Palehorse has evolved over the years. His first solo exhibition in 10 years, the show traces his path from a commercial illustrator and graphic artist to the multidisciplinary artist and muralist he is today.

The retrospective reaches back to his early days, including flyers and artwork Palehorse designed for skateboard events, Mexican professional wrestling (lucha libre), and well-known rock bands like Primus, Foo Fighters, and Queens of the Stone Age. His more recent work draws inspiration from Eastern philosophy and religion, incorporating gods, guardians, totems, sacred geometry, and other symbolic imagery through Palehorse’s signature vibrant colors and meticulous linework. 

The work also takes plenty of shapes. Visitors will find lenticular pieces that “flip” from one picture to another as the viewing angle shifts, along with hand-sewn fabric, gold-brushed aluminum, skate decks, and a large-scale mural spanning one of the gallery walls. The show also features collaborations with other artists, including Ben Venom, Jon Stine, Ali Norman, and more. 

Left to right: Artwork by Chad Mize and Andrea Pawlisz for Practice Dying

More than skulls and bones

In the neighboring exhibition, Practice Dying takes some of art’s oldest symbols and gives more than 30 artists space to interpret them for themselves. Centered around skulls and skeletons, the show looks beyond their association with mortality to explore ideas of transformation, connection, and letting go—appropriately during the spookiest month of the year.  

The lineup stretches from St. Pete across the country and even overseas, bringing together a vibrant mix of styles and perspectives. Some of the local artists included are Chad Mize, Bask, Nicole Salgar, Laura Spencer, Andrea Pawlisz, and Palehorse, alongside artists from Miami, New York, California, England, and beyond. 

Despite its name, Practice Dying is ultimately as interested in life as it is in death. Shown side-by-side with Shapeshifter, the two exhibitions explore ideas of change and transformation through distinctly different bodies of work. 

Visit the Morean to see both shows on display in October

See both at the Morean Arts Center

Practice Dying is on view through October 30, so there’s still time to catch it this month, while Shapeshifter runs through December 31. The Morean Arts Center is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 

Follow Palehorse on Instagram, and visit the Morean’s website or Instagram for more information and upcoming exhibitions.