Swamp: A Meditation on Self and Silt — An Evening with Hank Smith and the Wolf River Conservancy
Join the Wolf River Conservancy on May 30th as we celebrate the work of artist Hank Smith and his focus on the Wonder of Memphis Wetlands!
In partnership with The Wolf River Conservancy, Ugly Art Co. will host an opening of Hank Smith’s newest work, Swamp: A Meditation on Self and Silt, emphasizing the beauty and importance of Memphis wetlands. This event will feature an overview of The Wolf River Conservancy’s mission with The Wolf River Conservancy’s Executive Director Erik Houston, an artist's talk with Hank Smith, followed by live music by Too Small.
5:30 - Cocktails with Bar Limina
6:00 - WRC/ Artist’s Talk with Erik Houston and Hank Smith
6:30 - Opening
7:00 - Live music by Too Small featuring Gunter Gaupp
Registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.
Cheers! We can't wait to see you there!
Artist Statement
Swamp: A Meditation on Self and Silt
This show encapsulates a years’ meditation and study of the wetlands surrounding Memphis. When explored, wetlands by necessity break the possibility of passive observation. The bayous, brambles, and branches; the never ending collision of flora and fauna competing for death and life, drag the observer into the swamp to be a member and collaborator. With nothing concrete, and everything shifting and changing, the swamp acts as a limitless galaxy in which the physical and metaphysical can dance—where the observer can find answers and questions as they paddle deeper, past the ghostly feather-crowned spectors and beyond the gnawed wood edifices of comfort.
In this body of work, Hank Smith attempts to explore not just the shifting physical reality of the Delta Wetland and its relationship with the greater environment, but his own changes and challenges as an artist bonded to both nature and man. Through this series of acrylic paintings and sculptural installations, the swamp acts as both environment and actor.
Artist Bio
Hank Miles Smith is an artist and curator working in Memphis, Tennessee and originally from Lexington, Virginia. His work explores the intersection of humanity and nature in relation to southern identity, culture, and history. Predominantly a painter and illustrator, he also creates sculptural work utilizing found objects and heirlooms.
Hank is a 2024 recipient of the River Arts Fest Emerging Artist Fellowship and curator and collaborator at The Ugly Art Co.
http://www.hankmilessmith.com/#/
Gunter Gaupp
Gunter is a composer and guitar player based in Memphis, TN, whose work combines interests in noise composition and genre music. His recent work utilizes folk melodies, chaotic textures, and improvisation to explore themes of interpersonal connection and accessibility. In particular, his work looks to utilize visceral, relatable gestures along with familiar tonal languages and extended techniques in order to encourage meaningful connection in shared spaces.
Gunter’s work has been recognized in calls for scores by Liminal Space Ensemble, TEMPO Ensemble, Ann DuHamel’s Prayers for a Feverish Planet, the New York Dance & Arts Innovations, the Boston New Music Initiative, and the American Prize. His music has been presented by ensembles across the US and abroad including loadbang, Hypercube, Julius Quartet, Four Corners Ensemble, Quijote Duoand Ensemble PHACE. Gunter holds a BA in jazz guitar performance from Rhodes College as well as an MM in composition and Master’s in Teaching from the University of Memphis.
