Kyle and Kelly Phelps...

Artists Kyle and Kelly Phelp's current exhibition, God Steel and a Wasted Dream..., is currently on display at the University of Dayton's Rike Center Gallery. The collaboration represents more than 20 new works created during their sabbatical leave from both of their respected positions; Kyle Phelps ~ University of Dayton & Kelly Phelps ~ Xavier University.

Kyle and his twin brother Kelly both grew up in the small town of Newcastle, Indiana, where they experienced the midwestern factory life first hand. Their father worked at the Chryser, Warner Gear and Firestone factories, and Kyle and Kelly even shared in the experience (at the factory) before receiving their masters degrees from the University of Kentucky.

The Phelps brothers' work can be described as tableaus of scenes from the factory and working class despair. Common themes in their art include race and the deterioration of the working class. The assemblages utilize elements of metal, fiberglass, wood, found objects and clay. The combination of materials give the works a stylized feel, reminiscent of the artist Thomas Hart Benton. In contrast to Benton, the scenes are of industrial of factory towns. The figures are often slumped over their days work, still with exhaustion.

The exhibition at The University of Dayton runs through March 2nd, in case you're interested in checking it out. More information on the gallery space can be found on their website (http://academic.udayton.edu/visualarts/rike_gallery.htm)

Thanks again,

 parProjects