BONEMACHINE | JASON BORDERS X MICHELE MELCHER X WOLFBAT @ Mortal Machine Gallery [New Orleans]

flyer artwork: “Call On The Bird” by Michele Melcher

Group shows are great for discovering new artists, but when there’s an overwhelming number of contributors, it can become easy for individuals and their pieces to get lost in the mix. In instances where more established names are involved, they’ll often draw the spotlight away from lesser-known artists by default. Themed shows can be fun, as we get to see different artists tackle ideas, while filtering it through their respective styles and mediums. The downside to that is, when you’re really good at them, you may wind up doing so many group themed exhibitions that you become known more for your takes and twists on the ideas and subject matter of others than having people exposed to your own 100% original concepts. For these reasons, smaller group shows have been landing especially well with me as of late. They offer those components of variety and perspective, while still giving contributing artists enough room to showcase their work and leave an impression. On Friday, April 5th, Mortal Machine Gallery in New Orleans will be hosting one such exhibition that promises to find that perfect sweet spot.

Titled Bone Machine, the new 3-person exhibition will feature the work of Jason Borders, Michele Melcher, and Dennis McNett aka Wolfbat. Rather than give the show one unifying theme to base their works on, these artists have been brought together because they simply make sense together and complement each other. Jason Borders specializes in a unique technique that involves him exploring meditation, self-reflection, and death through the intricate engravings on animal skulls and bone. The dark surrealism of Bucks County, Pennsylvania painter Michele Melcher is “heavily influenced by themes of memento mori, strange history, old master paintings and a life long delight in ghost stories and the supernatural.” Her contributions to the show are comprised of old-timey dapper skeleton portraits. Wofbat operates in a variety of mediums, credited as a “multifaceted maker of large-scale wood carvings, print editions, skateboard graphics, and beyond,” but his offerings for Bone Machine rest primarily in his wood carving mixed with elements of his puppetry and sculpture work. Skulls and bone make appearances in pieces by each of these artists, but the real connecting thread is a common tone and feeling. Through their respective mediums, all 3 of these artists present death-related imagery, while infusing it with a powerful life force. The subjects deny their inherent nature, reanimated and radiating energy.

For those able to make it out to the New Orleans area, the opening reception will take place on Friday, April 5th. More so than usual, this work demands to be witnessed in person.