WHO: Francis Hines, curated by Jared Whipple and Peter Hastings Falk
WHAT: Discovering New York’s Wrapper: The Art of Francis Hines
WHEN: September 26, 2021 – November 21, 2021
WHERE: Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06702
WEB: https://www.mattmuseum.org
Wholesale Frame Co. is proud to frame works by artist Francis Hines. They will be on display at the Mattatuck Museum as part of the exhibition “Discovering New York’s Wrapper: The Art of Francis Hines“ this Fall. As inspiration to visit the exhibition and museum, I am going to dedicate this issue’s Artist Spotlight to Francis Hines and his long but mostly forgotten career in the arts.
The satisfaction of a business that works with artists, museums and curators is seeing all the work that comes through the door. It’s unpredictable and always interesting. In this case, art historian and publisher Peter Hastings Falk was looking to frame some long-forgotten works by Francis Hines. After speaking with Peter, I read the story of Jared Whipple’s unexpected and nearly missed discovery in 2017. An extended version of the tale by Peter Hastings Falk can be found on discoveriesinamericanart.com when you search “Francis Hines”.
Pure form and aesthetic, without concept, hold little weight and often disappear with the artists themselves who fall into obscurity forever. What gave Hines his resurrection many years later, is the tension of energy flowing throughout his work. In fact, it’s important to note why in this specific moment in time, Hines’ work has particular power. He was inspired by the abandoned. He wrapped condemned buildings, highways ready for demolition and even salvaged cars. After a couple of tumultuous years, we are again revisiting the abandoned, looking to reinvent and reimagine. Skyscrapers in New York once filled with workers are still sitting empty. It is precisely Hines’ vision that we need right now to capture the energy and spirit they once had. Perhaps it’s also time to give them a makeover and reconsider some of the spaces we once deemed critical to success.
If you have the energy, get back into your local museums and galleries. You don’t need to go far to experience culture, creativity and connection. This show opens at the Mattatuck Museum on September 26. There is lots more to see there and you never know what might resonate and change the course of your day, week, or year.
Also, if you do go and want to drop us a line with your take on the exhibition, I am hoping to do a follow up article after having seen the show myself.
An extended version of the tale by Peter Hastings Falk can be found on discoveriesinamericanart.com
Thanks for this excellent article. I find his work inspiring.
Jared Whipple
October 12, 2021
Thank you so much for this wonderful right up!! You absolutely got it perfectly on so many levels. Believe it or not, the abandonment is what ended up saving Francis’ work in the long run, but it’s a long story that I’d love to tell you one day over a coffee. Let me know if you end up going to the Mattatuck show and I would love to fill you in further. Thanks again, this really made my day!!
Best, Jared Whipple