Tribute To Utility And Usefulness
This series of small acrylic paintings by Tad Hutchison pay wry homage to the household objects and articles of clothing that we depend upon day in and day out, yet heedlessly take for granted. Each icon of the everyday is displayed in an asymmetrical, appropriately cockeyed frame. Unlike some of Hutchison’s previous work, including quirky album covers and liner note illustrations for the Young Fresh Fellows (for whom Hutchison drums), these paintings substitute sensuously painted blenders, coffee percolators, and toasters for his signature tragicomic characters. Spring Dryer‘s deep blue sky, verdant green grass, and whipping-cream white dryer are glossy, thick and appear as lickable as frosting (above, left). The dryer, rendered with the awkward charm of a comic book character, sits on the grass like a friendly pet. Nearby, the prim Mrs. Chair resides in a room flooded with Mediterranean light while little miss Vacuum Sweeper lives in the shadows where she seems to dutifully swallow her dreams along with the dirt. Port Co34 , 626 N. 34th St., 206-545-9444. ELISE RICHMAN
