Past Exhibition in the Small Space at Transmission Gallery
Mac Mechem
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Mac Mechem, Trouble in Paradise, detail, oil on canvas
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What's in the show?
Forecast For Today, oil on canvas, 22 x 29
Mechem’s observation of the sharp contrast between the beauty and grandeur of the environment and man’s oblivious self-focus is often a theme, both humorous and sardonic.
Between the A and the S, oil on canvas, 37 x 31
An old-school exploration of an old school, Between the A and the S veers into Norman Rockwell territory. With a hefty dose of humor, Mechem points up the foibles of a high school principal cracking down on a very serious and studious student while all manner of riotousness unfolds all around. As a former high school art teacher, Mechem drew on his experiences to create this rhapsody of teenage shenanigans.
The Art Heist, oil on canvas, 36 x 30
Fascinated by a plethora of images of dolphin encounters flooding tourist travel advertisements, Mechem makes note of the curious combination of the joyful and enthusiastic, or ecstatic even, demeanor of the women so often depicted swimming with the dolphins and the attraction they hold for the viewer. Or this is just a wacky dream.
Trouble In Paradise, oil on canvas, 43 x 29
Considering the current emphasis on protecting and appreciating nature, Mechem ponders the Nature Lover, casting her gaze dreamily into the future, meanwhile disturbingly distorted baby and creatures hold court, already ensconced in the landscape. Is that a putto howling in rage? What is that going on in the background?
The Mantis Mambo or An Answer To Prayer, oil on canvas, 40 x 24
Upon researching more about the preying mantis, Mechem was greatly disturbed to learn that a good number of male mantises do not survive as the females tend to bite their heads off in the bizarre ritual of the mantis mating dance. Would they fare better dancing with a damsel? We’re not quite certain about this one…
The Fowl Flockers Feeding Frenzy, oil on canvas, 41 x 29
Another nod to Norman Rockwell, but with a heavy twist, Mechem reflects on the shock and horror of innocent youngsters encountering blunt truth. Rockwell’s painting was of a kid discovering a Santa suit. In this case, a pair of kids discover the foul frenzy of so much of human interaction in this beautifully painted cringe-worthy caricature.
Forecast For Today, oil on canvas, 22 x 29
Mechem’s observation of the sharp contrast between the beauty and grandeur of the environment and man’s oblivious self-focus is often a theme, both humorous and sardonic.
Between the A and the S, oil on canvas, 37 x 31
An old-school exploration of an old school, Between the A and the S veers into Norman Rockwell territory. With a hefty dose of humor, Mechem points up the foibles of a high school principal cracking down on a very serious and studious student while all manner of riotousness unfolds all around. As a former high school art teacher, Mechem drew on his experiences to create this rhapsody of teenage shenanigans.
The Art Heist, oil on canvas, 36 x 30
Fascinated by a plethora of images of dolphin encounters flooding tourist travel advertisements, Mechem makes note of the curious combination of the joyful and enthusiastic, or ecstatic even, demeanor of the women so often depicted swimming with the dolphins and the attraction they hold for the viewer. Or this is just a wacky dream.
Trouble In Paradise, oil on canvas, 43 x 29
Considering the current emphasis on protecting and appreciating nature, Mechem ponders the Nature Lover, casting her gaze dreamily into the future, meanwhile disturbingly distorted baby and creatures hold court, already ensconced in the landscape. Is that a putto howling in rage? What is that going on in the background?
The Mantis Mambo or An Answer To Prayer, oil on canvas, 40 x 24
Upon researching more about the preying mantis, Mechem was greatly disturbed to learn that a good number of male mantises do not survive as the females tend to bite their heads off in the bizarre ritual of the mantis mating dance. Would they fare better dancing with a damsel? We’re not quite certain about this one…
The Fowl Flockers Feeding Frenzy, oil on canvas, 41 x 29
Another nod to Norman Rockwell, but with a heavy twist, Mechem reflects on the shock and horror of innocent youngsters encountering blunt truth. Rockwell’s painting was of a kid discovering a Santa suit. In this case, a pair of kids discover the foul frenzy of so much of human interaction in this beautifully painted cringe-worthy caricature.
More about Mac Mechem
Mechem has spent the last several decades both teaching and honing his craft. His pursuit of the perfection of his surface and exquisitely wrought detail are fascinating to contemplate. Mechem finds himself now at the height of his productive and creative energy with a whole new panorama of human foibles and catastrophes at hand. The commentary can only continue ...
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TRANSMISSION GALLERY
OAKLAND 770 West Grand Ave., Suite A, Oakland, CA 94612 Open Thurs-Sat, 12 to 5 pm till 8 pm on the first Friday of the month and by appointment Accessibility: This a 2nd floor art gallery, accessible by stairs. |
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