Exhibition: Meltdown at Soyal Gallery, in Scottsdale

1 July – 12 August, 2010

July 1, 2010: Grant Wiggins is showing his work in Meltdown, a group exhibition organized by Soyal Gallery, 4200 N. Marshall Way, Suites 2 and 3. Rallying around the well-known fact that Phoenix's summers are infernally hot, Soyal partners Spencer Hibert and Emmett Potter III have invited more than 30 artists to address the concept of having a meltdown — be it from the summer heat, climate change, or existential circumstances. In response, some artists have provided works that might precipitate a meltdown once viewed.

Especially for Meltdown, Wiggins has introduced a series of eight small works on paper that share a common geometric pattern and the word meltdown in their titles. Essentially an experimental series that carries forward Wiggins' first paper piece — Ekeliges Zeug!, which he displayed at Tempe Center for the Arts in 2008 — these pieces are a study in theme and variation. While the controlling geometric pattern may be the same, each work explores a different colorway, and therefore each work has a different personality.

The one work on paper that stands out in the series is Hyperdermic Thermic Meltdown, comprised of paper that is covered in fluorescent red Krylon spray paint. With a matching frame, the piece tugs at the eye from across the room.

Other artists who are exhibiting in Meltdown include Oliver Hibert, Spencer Hibert, Naoshi, and Jeremyville. An impressive variety of media are represented, including painting, cast resin, photography, prints, and sand art.

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