Forrest Aderholt: Between Heaven and Hell

On view July 19 – August 9, 2024 at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center

In Forrest Aderholt’s work, the devil is–literally and figuratively–in the details. His
paintings and fiber works invite us to look closely, and pause on a strange phrase, an
eerie element, or a mixed media detail. Reflecting on memories that are based on
personal experiences, Aderholt looks at the indoctrination of belief systems and power
relations that are simultaneously universal and personal. The artist borrows from
religious imagery, both in form and content, only to make the beholder question what
they are actually seeing: Is the snake the threat, or the demonic man swinging the axe
it? Is the church or the convenience store the contemporary place of worship? Yet he
leaves it up to us to find the answers.

Originally trained as a painter, Aderholt is increasingly pushing media boundaries in his
works by incorporating embroidery in his works on canvas, and exploring other fiber arts
such as weaving and creating narrative environments with sculptures.
Based in Austin, Texas, the artist earned his BFA in painting from Southwestern
University in 2016.

Visual art by Forrest Aderholt as part of the FTC Comedy Presents series up through Friday, August 9, 2024, curated by Christine Burger.

Reception for Forrest Aderholt held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.