Working Together - Art Hazelwood and William Wolff

Posted by: ArtZone 461 Gallery

“Working Together”
Art Hazelwood & William Wolff

March 1 through April 6, 2014 at ArtZone 461 Gallery

ArtZone 461 Gallery is pleased to announce a new exhibition in concert with the SGC (formerly Southern Graphics Council) International 42nd Annual Conference in San Francisco. As a Participating Gallery, ArtZone 461 presents woodblock prints by William Wolff (1922-2004) and Art Hazelwood. While the Gallery represents the Wolff estate, this is Hazelwood’s first two-person exhibit. Hazelwood frequently contributed to previous group shows.

William Wolff was a native San Franciscan and a contemporary of first generation Bay Area Figurative artists: Though surrounded by members of the movement, Wolff never fully embraced it. He became a printmaker after painting for over twenty years, during which he eschewed commercial recognition. His paintings and prints represent a singular calling, expressing themes of myth, religion, history and social commentary.

Art Hazelwood worked with William Wolff over the last eight years of his life as archivist, curator and friend. Delving into Wolff’s work so deeply profoundly influenced Hazelwood. There are four major ways Wolff’s prints influenced him – the cutting technique of his woodcuts, his use of color, the boldness of expression and his use of literary themes. In this exhibition the works not only show Wolff’s influences but also presents his work in a new light.

One surprising example is seen by contrasting Wolff’s Apocalyptic and Christ imagery with Hazelwood’s disaster and capitalism subject matter. This contrast provides a political background to Wolff’s work which was always inherent but is here brought into starker relief – a place where satire and Apocalypse are seen to have much in common.

The Conference organized Mission Art Walk, a self-guided tour, runs from 12-9 pm on Saturday, March 29. A Google map of participating venues, including ArtZone 461 Gallery, will be available on the ArtZone web site and at http://goo.gl/maps/zVcXj

Reception Saturday March 8, 5:00 – 8:00 pm

Gallery Hours: 12-6 pm Wednesday-Sunday, occasional evenings and anytime by appointment