Visions of Music

First Friday attendees viewing:

William Grant Still: Africa Land of Romance

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Wood

80" x 36"

For the month of September, Speck Gallery is exhibiting Addie Hirschten's show Visions of Music. This collection of painted pieces, inspired by different classical musicians of African descent, is a collaboration with professional pianist Josh Thompson, also known as Sock Joplin. Hirschten incorporates mixed-media elements in the series by including music scores as the backdrop of some of the pieces, as well as depictions of Thompson.

This collaboration between Hirschten and Thompson started about a year ago when a mutual friend introduced both artists. Thompson chose the musical pieces for the show, and Hirschten translated the music into each painting after listening to each song multiple times. Elements like the color selected for each piece and specific visual shapes were inspired by the sounds Hirschten felt she could see while listening to each composer. 

Margaret Bonds: Troubled Water

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

30" x 40"

The interconnection between music and how it influences us is something that Josh Thompson credits as a big inspiration in his work as a pianist and music sociologist. He states that there is “no linear route when it comes to creativity" and credits his sociology background with helping to inspire his current music. Thompson points to how Hirschten's pieces within the show have visualized the "perpetual motion" that music inherently has.

The show can be viewed anytime in the Speck Gallery through the month of September: Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The works can also be viewed and purchased on our online gallery through October.