A distinctive gallery space, with an ability to showcase unique installations that’s rare to Northeast Florida (see: Malcolm Jackson’s 2017 Donks exhibit where the photographer parked an assortment of substantial, candy-painted Cadillacs within), since opening in 2017, Space 42 has proved a vital addition to the local arts scene.

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We are excited to share the work of Jacksonville based artist Mark George. (@_markgeorge_) He has carefully selected a large body of work to showcase in our main gallery as well as unique merchandise that will be on display in our lounge area. This event is December 14th from 6-10pm and is free and open to the public. 〰️ Artist Statement: “Pouting has been ingrained in our society as improper behavior. People like myself and others are obviously more welcomed by a smile, I enjoy reflecting on these other emotions particularly in this body of work.” 〰️ “This exhibit portrays the feminine response to these social norms, and expectations of constant smiling. Emotions that embody both happiness, and sadness are equally as beautiful to me. I enjoy capturing these expressions, and conveying it in my work.” 〰️ George’s work demonstrates his commercial art background, graphic design, and the idea of painting. ⁠With no visible brushstrokes, the pieces have a flat⁠ color quality seen primarily in printed work.⁠ ⁠ Mark George’s paintings of love, anguish and anxiety spare no emotion, and bare no subliminal message. The paintings on the torn panels are an attempt to embody an era of mid-century Americana in advertising and urban street art. The material gives the work an abandoned quality that suggests the piece is not a painting per se, but a relic or illustrative portion of an old billboard or advertisement. The look created is genre crossing: a Dada approach, a Pop sensibility.

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Dropping their arts-centered space in the current heart of Jax’s arts scene, the CoRK Arts District, wasn’t exactly a bold move for founders Michelle and Kevin Calloway. But the couple has proven ambitious and even daring curators of programming, hosting NYC-based artist Rosemarie Fiore for a smoke painting exhibition, initiating a one-of-a-kind artist residency program, and offering an open call to area artists, opening up their gallery walls and even pocketbooks with a $5,000 grant.

With a distinctive vision and locally focused ingenuity, gallery owners and runners Kevin and Michelle Calloway have helped Space 42 earn a reputation for truly unique programming.

The gallery’s latest exhibition, Pout, which featured works by beloved local pop artist Mark George, closed on Feb. 15. And though there’s nothing yet on the calendar (at least not as of press time), we can’t wait to see what pops up next within Space 42’s space. 

To learn more about Space 42 visit spacefortytwo.com 

This article originally appeared as part of the Culture-Preneurs feature under the headline “Making Space for Art” in Void Magazine’s July 2020 issue. 

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