TJ Kelley III (b.1990) is an artist from Boston, Massachusetts. Working through a variety of visual media, he intends to explore social histories with storytelling using objects, patterns, and writing to examine the way our personal narratives distort the stories we hear and tell. Recalling early lithograph printed poster design and commercial iconography, he utilizes a bright but limited palette to render images of objects and characters, assembling them together in provocative formations to engage the viewer’s own visual history to inform a story within the work. While TJ’s paintings and drawings remain the primary focus, in recent years he has begun a more immersive art practice by incorporating sculpture, bookmaking, and installation to create a unified expression across media and presentation.
PARADICE (spelling intentional) at Distillery Gallery will present a brand new body of work from TJ including his largest and most complex works to date. The work focuses on themes of balance, challenge and chance in an existence full of orange detour signs. Paintings and an ongoing sculptural project will be shown along with a large new silkscreen print and a risograph printed book to accompany the show.
On view: August 17 - September 20
Opening reception: Saturday, August 17, 7 - 10 PM // RSVP
Closing reception: Friday, September 20, 7 - 10 PM // RSVP
PRESS
“I LOVE MY LIFE, IT’S A PARADICE”: ARTIST TJ KELLEY’S NEWEST COLLECTION OF CHEEKY PAINTINGS
Amadeus Magazine
