This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
With installations at Energy Solutions Arena, IBM Plaza and Abravanel Hall, no other sculptor dominates Salt Lake City's public spaces like Utah's Neil Hadlock.
"Maran," a massive bronze work that dominates the north end of Abravanel Hall, is a case in point, and best expressed by the artist himself. "It rests on two small points that are no wider than an inch, creating tension and gracefulness," Hadlock said.
That's a quote from press materials for his upcoming exhibit, spanning four decades and appropriately titled "Neil Hadlock: 1990 to Now." Showcasing Hadlock's prints, sculpture work and public pieces, this is a comprehensive look at one of Utah's true artistic legends. A native of St. Anthony, Idaho, Hadlock developed an interest in art by way of the metal and paint he saw as part of potato digging equipment growing up, according to his artist's bio written by Frank McEntire, who also curates this show.
His student years during the Vietnam era saw him forsake the trend of literal meaning in art for themes and contexts emphasizing form, color, structure and texture instead. Even today, with his work in collections worldwide, McEntire notes that Hadlock remains true to the materials that first made him fall in love with art. In Hadlock's hands, bronze, iron, stone, clay, pigments and graphite take on timeless qualities to remind us that art can approach the timeless qualities of Earth itself.
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"Neil Hadlock: 1990 to Now
When • May 18-July 6, with opening reception May 18, 6-9 p.m.
Where • Nox Contemporary, 440 S. 400 West, Suite H
Info • Call 801-289-6269 or visit http://www.noxcontemporary.com for more information.