As the 2014 Artist-in-Residence, Eric Beltz will present an ambitious new project, The Cave of Treasures, a dramatic departure for the artist who is known for his intimately scaled, highly-detailed graphite drawings. The title refers to three recurring themes in Beltz’s work that are commonly understood as harmful- Medusa, poison oak, and the swastika- and is rooted in the artist’s academic research into legends, tragedies, misinterpretations, and evolutions of iconography surrounding mythological figures, plants, and symbols. These interests manifest in a large-scale wall drawing, in silver ink on black paper, and a wood and concrete sculpture containing live plants. Collectively, they serve as a meditative interpretation of nature, fear, seduction, and repulsion. The Cave of Treasures is Beltz’s first solo Museum exhibition and represents the ten-year anniversary of the artist’s graduation from UC Santa Barbara.

Click here for the official exhibition brochure.

Listen to Elizabeth Stewart's radio interview with Professor Ann Bermingham as they discuss Eric Beltz's use of the gorgon Medusa in his works. Click here to listen.
 

Image: Eric Beltz, in-progress drawing of Medusa's Totem Pole, 2014, graphite on Bristol. Courtesy of the artist. Photo by Tony Mastres.