Kirby Nunez at The World's Smallest Art Gallery

Kirby Nunez s is exhibiting in The World’s Smallest Art Gallery* through July 24, 2015.

Kirby became an artist slowly and then all at once.  Art was his passion early in life, but by the time he was in high school it began to take a back seat.  He began college at the University of Rhode Island as a Kinesiology major, but soon realized after taking a few art classes, that his passion for art was still there and he wouldn’t be happy doing anything else.  This made him switch from kinesiology and Business to Fine Art and Textiles, and he never looked back.  It didn’t take long for Kirby to start gaining recognition for his art work, and as a junior he was awarded the David Ketner Memorial scholarship for most outstanding junior artist. 

 Kirby, now a senior at the university, makes art with subject matter that reflects both social and personal issues that are important to him.  His work sometimes deals with the darker side of society tackling subject matter such as a population of our planet that often goes unnoticed, the homeless.  Kirby’s pieces also deal with many personal experiences such as his growth as an artist and a man.  He lays all of his feelings and emotions out there for the viewer to see.  His positive view of his life is easy to see in these works.  Kirby’s style is graffiti-influenced, because that is where he started.  One artist that also had a major influence on him was Jean-Michel Basquiat.

For his exhibition at the World’s Smallest Art Gallery, Kirby’s subject matter explores his upbringing in an urban community.  Nostalgia is the main source of inspiration for him.  While growing up his experiences became imprinted in his head.  Because of this he chose to reprint all those vivid images from his head onto clear and colored sheets of acetate. The composition of these images are placed in “boxes” and cubes. He prefers to refer to them as blocks, acting as a metaphorical reference to the structure and system of where he grew up.  As a series this work speaks to both his childhood and the current situations that still arise in the urban neighborhoods.  All the figures are nameless and faceless because they can be replaced by anybody else in society.

Kirby is currently working on creating a website where viewers can purchase his work and other merchandise.  If you want to know more about Kirby and his work he can be reached by email  nunezkirby@gmail.com.

* The World’s Smallest Art Gallery is:

·      A kiosk on the South County Bike Path (http://southcountybikepath.org). It is located in Peace Dale where the bike path crosses Route 108. The kiosk is a beautifully designed and built structure that has two display cases. Each measures 42” X 41” x 1”. The cases are weatherproof and have sturdy locks.

·      A joint project of Hera Gallery (http://heragallery.org) and  Peace Dale Neighborhood Revitalization, Inc. (http://www.peacedale.net).

·      A place to show your artwork. Hera Gallery will be managing the kiosk as a place for artists to display their work. You may have a six-week, one-person show in the kiosk on a first come, first serve basis. Work is not juried, but must be “family friendly.” Artists are asked to choose work that does not depict nudity, sexuality or violence. Neither Hera Gallery nor PDNRI will insure the work. Artists display work at their own risk.

·      A way of having your work seen by a lot of people. The bike path has very heavy traffic, especially during the Spring, Summer and early Fall. Many bikers, runners and walkers pass by every hour. There will not be sales from the Kiosk, but your display can include your contact information. Hera Gallery will publicize The World’s Smallest Gallery on its website, blog, and Constant Contact mailings. A Facebook page will be developed.

·      A way to beautify the community. The stretch of the bike path where the kiosk is located contains other artwork including murals, sculpture, mosaics, and landscape architecture. The World’s Smallest Art Gallery will add to the beautification of this area.

Rhonda LaPorte is the coordinator of this project for Hera Gallery. If you are interested in showing your artwork on the bike path contact Rhonda at rhondalaporte@gmail.com to get more details and to schedule a show.