When you think of ‘family’, what comes to mind? Perhaps it is the gingerbread house your family built last Christmas or the comforting embrace of your spouse after a long day at work. American artist Paul Hunter Speagle is set to make a triumphant return to Hong Kong with a new solo exhibition titled The Speagle’s. This unique showcase invites you to enter the artist’s home and meet his endearing family. In a refreshing departure from the ‘perfect family’ facade we often see, Speagle presents a realistic and unfiltered portrayal of the daily encounters within his home. These
are experiences that many of us can relate to yet purposely keep hidden from the public eye. Whether it is family disputes or the rising pile of kitchen table bills, this exhibition serves as a beacon of truth and clarity in a world of idealised depictions of family life.
The exhibition unfolds in three stages, each a pivotal phase in the artist’s journey to bringing this unique experience to life. Inspired by his wife’s advice to “paint your life and us,” visitors will first step foot in a room adorned with trinkets of love and objects that hold special meaning to the Speagle family. The next room will be the artist’s studio, a space where visitors can witness how Speagle’s creations not only encapsulate the memories he shares with his family but serve as a means for him to navigate life’s complexities in his pursuit of self-growth, a journey that we all can learn from and be inspired by.
The final room will feature the artist’s personal home videos and newly painted large-scale paintings, including one that spans over eight meters wide, a monumental piece that stands as the largest painting the gallery has ever exhibited. These large-scale paintings beautifully capture the multifaceted nature of life, from moments of pure joy to trials and tribulations. They serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between public facade and private authenticity in family life. Through his art, Speagle invites viewers to cherish family bonds and embrace the hope for brighter moments, even in the face of adversity.
Throughout his career, Speagle’s creations have always been a reflection of his unending pursuit of growth, both in his craft and as an individual in society. By examining his relationship with the world around him, be it religion, politics, or family, every inch of every painting in this exhibition serves as an honest window into the Speagle family’s daily life. These relatable moments between family members, from intriguing conversations with their daughter to moments of passion between
husband and wife, these paintings are a canvas of introspection, personal catharsis, and a testament to the artist’s effort to become a better parent. While there is no definitive guidebook on how to be the perfect parent, husband, or artist, Speagle hopes this exhibition will shed light on the challenges and provide solutions to fellow travellers on the winding road of parenthood. So, take a seat in the Speagle’s home, and you might learn a few family traditions you will want to introduce to your own home.
About Paul Hunter Speagle (United States | B.1982)
Taking inspirations from life, love and religion, Paul Hunter Speagle creates expressive and colourful works that reflect his passions and beliefs. Working across paintings, sculptures as well as interactive and public installations, Speagle is a versatile artist who explores the world through his works.
Stemming from underground skateboarding, snowboarding, street and comics culture, Speagle’s canvases are filled with intense colouration that heightens a pervasion tension – evoking urban and rural environments of the US while experimenting with internal painterly dynamics around light,
brushwork and compositions. Much of his works are inspired by symbolic motifs, Native American totems, outsider folk art, ancient mythologies, and biblical narratives, commenting on the transcendence of time and the issue of human mortality with his unique and painterly style.
Born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina, Speagle started painting as a young teen and won the Paul Whitener Painting Contest at the age of 12. He gained a scholarship to study at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where he earned a BFA in painting in 2005 and an MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City in 2012. In 2018, he had his first museum solo exhibition Walking the Dog, at the Hickory Museum of Art. In recent years, Speagle started exploring the possibilities of public murals. He was commissioned to participate in many mural projects, including the large-scale historical mural, Miracle of Hickory (2019) and a collaborative mural for Art Basel Miami Beach 2019. Speagle is the founder of the artists-led organisation ATAC Gallery.The artist currently lives and works in Hickory, North Carolina.
About JPS Gallery
Established in Hong Kong in 2014 and later in Tokyo, Paris and Barcelona, JPS Gallery is an independent contemporary art gallery presenting works of emerging and established artists from around the world.
The gallery is founded with a passionate spirit that dedicates to the new digital age and the exploration of the world of fine art and pop culture. We aim to create an innovative environment for a new generation of artists and collectors, fostering a creative space for all. We focus on fun and playful works of the era that spans across different mediums and disciplines, showcasing a discerning selection of works that embody the aesthetics of today.
We are committed to supporting the culture and art scene in Asia and Europe, creating a vibrant local art community. The gallery regularly presents works of emerging artists in our gallery spaces as well as international art fairs, giving them a platform to gain global exposure, supporting young artists to launch their careers. JPS Gallery has also been an active contributor to society and the local art scene by sponsoring various charity events and auctions.
Location
JPS Gallery
Shops 218-219, 2/F, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
