Robb Stone The Bacchae, Grey James Next

Bert Green Fine Art is pleased to present our second solo show by Chicago artist Robb Stone, and our first solo show by Grey James, who exhibited over many years with the gallery before transitioning to his current identity as a transgendered male.

Robb Stone sources images from the relentless torrent of social media and the news, selecting those which resonate with his interest in the intersection of classical imagery and contemporary masculinity. Using various materials, he highlights how our contemporary visual culture of endless gazing at massive amounts of visual stimuli has transformed the traditions of photography and art history. The Bacchae refers to the Euripides play, a tragic tale about the conflict between reason and passion. Stone provides ample parallels to modern day human affairs.

Grey James' paintings and mixed media work reflects his personal exploration of gender identity and transition. In part an iconography of yearning, and in part a symbolism of incomplete states of being, this work is rooted in a conviction that the journey — what is "Next" — is more important than the destination.

There will be an Opening Reception on Friday March 18, 2016 6-9pm. Artist's Talk by Robb Stone Saturday April 23 4pm.