FORT WORTH, Texas (May 14, 2021) – Fort Worth-based Gallery 440, LLC announces it will host artist Gerald Bell’s latest works May 20 at 6 p.m. This breakout show includes nearly 40 pieces and runs through Saturday, June 19.
Bell’s use of color, bold strokes and exaggerations showcase a unique perspective: He has Asperger’s Syndrome, a high functioning, developmental disorder affecting one’s ability to effectively socialize and communicate. It leaves him struggling to grasp with others’ subtle cues and expressions. He says he “has trouble reading between the lines” yet is fascinated by human interactions and responses.
“I actually feel like an outsider looking in,” Bell says. “Noticing things others don’t see, others don’t appreciate. Struggling to fit in. Often misunderstood, rarely appreciated. I’m in the process of embracing that very idea and accepting my differences, nuances, weirdness and therefore, uniqueness.
“I always have felt like I was born in the wrong era, in the wrong world. I want others to see and relate to my frustrations, humor and pain in these pieces.
“I feel this type of art is safest for me because it allows me to be hurt. Real, not fake. Vulnerable. Transparent. Free from judgment. To confess my pain and my shortcomings.”
Gallery curator Jennifer Henderson says: “I chose to highlight this body of his work because it’s deceptively cheery, despite a darker rebellious message. This raw, spray-painted style and emotion mirrors the sign of the times.”
Gallery 440 is located at 440 S. Main Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104. Bell’s show will occur as part of the Near Southside’s Third Thursday art crawl, https://www.facebook.com/thirdthursdayftw. Three other galleries and several small businesses will be participating in this month’s crawl.
The exhibit is open to the public and admission is free. The show runs May 20-June 19. Third Thursday’s art crawl launches the opening artist reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and hours during the week are Monday-Friday 9-5:30 p.m.