Holding Out For A Hero

Heroism is a complex phenomenon these days, when even those that we look up to the most are bound to have a few skeletons in their closets. The media circus around our "heroes" is almost surreal at times, worshipful in tone initially, and then suddenly cynical and nasty as the media starts to dismantle an image that they themselves perpetuated. The athletes that we adore are brought down by steroid rumors or full-blown scandals. Politicians we thought were working-class heroes are inevitably exposed as corrupt. That subtext is what makes Good News for a Modern Society: New Work by Steven Hopwood-Lewis such an interesting and timely exhibit. Hopwood-Lewis explores the concept of heroism with a quirky and vivid set of characters that toe the line between Everyman and superhero. The beautifully detailed oil paintings and ink drawings look like what would happen if Mark Ryden worked for Marvel Comics. Each piece seems to be aware of the dark side of heroism reflected in the almost-brooding expressions on the faces of our heroes, but still retains an optimism and hopefulness that the world is worth saving. Good News for a Modern Society runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 12 to 6 p.m. Saturdays through October 18 at The Public Trust, 2919-C Commerce St. Visit trustthepublic.com for details.
Wednesdays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. Starts: Oct. 1. Continues through Oct. 18, 2008