TV Boy

"TV Boy" is Kenny Mason's newest set of work, which is being exhibited in Hank and Dolly's Gallery for the month of September. Kenny describes the exhibit as "Something that revolves around all the things that have shaped me today. The art reflects moments and memories in my past. People I've interacted with. Things that make me. Capture the feeling of my room. Not really the room itself. Focus on my journey through young age to adulthood."

Kenny works primarily with cardboard as a surface. In the show's context, cardboard is ephemeral, similar to nostalgia; both are fleeting. Kenny finds cardboard poetic since it's sustainable and ephemeral, yet it's something that will grow with his career. Paired with his use of cardboard, Mason creates using any materials that he can get his hands on, including spray paint, markers, pens, crayons, etc., all materials that tie back to the feeling of nostalgia.

Mason's artistic process involves a struggle with nostalgia at times. He says it’s an issue, falling in love with previous pieces, trying to recreate them, coming to terms with reality, and accepting that he can't. Without a spark, he wouldn't be making work, so there is more to his work than wanting to relive nostalgia for old successes. Mason also says that his process involves lots of time since much of his work ends up being different from previous pieces, knowing his goal but not always knowing how to achieve it. Making each piece unique, its own project to become nostalgic for the future.

Kenny creates portraits, primarily self-portraits. He paints himself because he's tried to understand himself, but now that he's reached a point of understanding, it can be a confidence boost. Working from previous photos and experiences, nostalgia continues to be prevalent.

In this particular show, Mason has been focusing on creating an atmosphere for viewers to immerse themselves in, trying to capture the feeling of his bedroom by putting box televisions, VHS movies, video games, and their respective packaging in the gallery space. Inspirations for the atmosphere and work include Rugrats, Rocket Power, Power Rangers, and Spiderman, just to name a few, all, as Kenny described, having no dire consequences, allowing kids to just be kids. Kenny is inviting people to enjoy the space and their time down there, wanting to create an emotional experience for those viewing his work as well as for those simply entering the space.

Kenny, when talking about this exhibit, finished by saying, "What I want people to get from my show is that it’s important to remember things in your past and enjoy them, but use it as a point of growth rather than being stuck in the past. It's about nostalgia, yet feeling growth from nostalgia and knowing that there is always something new to try. It's character development."

The show can be viewed anytime in the Hank and Dolly’s Gallery through September during Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The works can additionally be viewed and purchased on our online gallery.

Laurence AppleSeptember 21, 2024