David Hicks draws people. His work is centered on the human figure. By using the figure or portrait in a narrative context, he metaphorically represents aspects of the human experience. The drawings reference history, myth, and pop culture. Hicks advises that the process of layering these symbolic figures and composing relationships between them is a cathartic way for him to apply meaning to bigger stories, both personal and universal to all.

This summer Hicks will have a solo show of his drawings in the Sullivan Family Gallery at BAYarts. Hicks received his MFA from Indiana University at Bloomington in 2008 and has served as an assistant professor of drawing at Cleveland State University since 2019. When asked how recent events in the world have affected his work, he advises he was already starting to lean into featuring a more diverse cast of characters, showing them in their own world dealing with life, and connecting them with the larger narrative. This theme in Hicks’s work is easiest to see in his piece Cycle of Experience, which was started in 2020. He advises the life of this drawing has been immersed in these turbulent times, but does not seek to make any direct political or social statement. Instead, each of Hicks’ characters is supposed to “embody a moment of the human experience. Whether it is a state of hopelessness, being jaded, rising and reaching in hope, using or being used, or violently being birthed.” Iconic references are also prevalent. Figures such as Atlas and Christ show up as modern adaptations.

David Hicks’ exhibition of classically-rendered drawings featuring multi-figure narratives will be on display at BAYarts from July 8 through August 6, with an opening reception from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, July 8.

THURSDAY MARKETS | JUNE 9–OCTOBER 13
ART & FOOD VENDORS, MUSIC, & FOOD TRUCKS

DAWN TEKLER: ENERGY AND PERCEPTION | JUNE 10–JULY 2
OPENING RECEPTION 5-8PM FRIDAY, JUNE 10

ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL FEATURING 75 LOCAL VENDORS & LIVE MUSIC FROM SMALL CRAFT WARNING | 10AM-4PM SATURDAY, JUNE 18

SUMMER PERFORMANCE SERIES | SUNDAYS JUNE 19–AUGUST 28

DAVID HICKS | JULY 8–AUGUST 6 | OPENING RECEPTION 5-8PM FRIDAY, JULY 8

BELLAMY PRINTZ: RECENT WORK | AUGUST 12–OCTOBER 2
OPENING RECEPTION FRIDAY, AUGUST12

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