My Hero
January 27 - April 29, 2012

Opens Friday, January 27

My Hero
Elisa Contemporary Art presents My Hero, a new art exhibit focusing on Superheroes in today’s contemporary art. The exhibit opens January 27th, 2012 and runs March 31, 2012. Just Extended through April!

From the days of Greek and Roman Gods and Goddess through today’s X-Men, Dynamic Duos, Fantastic Four and many others, we are captivated by the Superhero (male and female). Is it their superhuman strength and power? Or their seeming selflessness to put the greater needs of others ahead of their own wants and desires? Or the fact that they may embody and magnify a single aspect of the human potential in each of us? They captivate, engage and inspire us in print, on the big screen, under the Broadway lights… and now in Contemporary Art.

In the latest Elisa Contemporary Art exhibit, we see the influences of Pop Art from the 1960’s and explore how five contemporary artists bring modern heroes to life in a whole new way. You’ll see Superheroes including Superman, Wonder Woman and Captain America and meet some new characters.

We’re featuring the undulating, architectural paintings of (New Orleans born and now California) Artist Don Morris whose series “Our Heroes” was inspired by the Pop Art of the 60’s. Using comic books as his medium, Don creates canvases which at a distant appear to be an interplay of colors and textures, but upon closer examination come to life with comic book superheroes who fly, struggle, and climb before us in small fragments and vignettes. Words bubble from the comic book text and are clearly visible throughout the pieces, so the viewer can read the stories of our action heroes.

The energetic and complex mixed media paintings of Water Mill resident Oliver Peterson draw their inspiration and sources from graffiti, structural decay, literature, Victorian era medicine and the pages of comic books.

Emerging artist Jerome Walford combines Pop Art with Asian print-making styles to create fluid illustrations of his own new heroic characters. We’ll be exhibiting artwork from his latest series.

The mosaic and mixed media paintings by New York artist Peter Buchman. Moody and contemplative best describes Peter Buchman's new work. By using a patina or textured painting technique the artist is able to weave between a direct meaning, visual reality which we are accustomed too, and a poetic mystery that is a language in itself.
,br />Comics and Pulp imagery, as well as other well known grandiose American iconography serve as a great leaping off point for discussion on personal relationships and sometimes un-stereotypical behavior. Who do we love? What are our own expectations of others? What is the American dream? Buchman's mixed media works asks these questions over an over in a multitude of poignant ways.

Houston artist, Mitch McGee’s artwork bridges the space between painting and sculpture. In this latest series, he illustrates, cuts, paints and stains layers of birch to create highly dimensional scenes and characters.

The exhibit features the work of:
  • California artist, Don Morris
  • New York artist, Peter Buchanan (courtesy of Sara Nightingale Gallery)
  • Water Mill artist, Oliver Peterson
  • Houston artist, Mitch McGee
  • Emerging artist, Jerome Walford
We've lined up some great special events including an opening reception with Houston artist, Mitch McGee on Saturday, January 28th from 4-6pm, a Valentine's Day toast to your favorite hero on Saturday, February 11th from 5-7pm, and Two Art Workshops for kids (5+). Each workshop will be led and inspired by the work of one artist. On Saturday, February 25th from 1-3pm, Oliver Peterson will lead Super Hero Collages (ages 5+) and on Sunday March 25th from 1-3pm, Jerome Walford will lead creating your own Super Hero in action.

RSVP required for Art Workshops. Please email Lisa@ElisaArt.com. Be sure to include: Parent Name, Email, Child(ren) Name and Age(s) Limited space. First come, first serve.

  • What: My Hero
  • When: Opens January 27

  • Special Events:
  • An opening reception with Houston artist, Mitch McGee on Saturday, January 28th from 4-6pm

  • A Valentine’s Day Toast to your Favorite Hero on Saturday, February 11th from 5-7pm

  • Two Art Workshops for kids of all ages.
    Each workshop will be led and inspired by the work of one artist.

  • Oliver Peterson will lead Super Hero Collages (ages 5+) on Saturday, February 25th from 1-3pm

  • The group for ages 5-7 will take place from 1-2pm
    The group for ages 8+ will take place from 2-3pm

    The schedule will be:
    * Brief Introduction
    * Name Label project
    * Superhero Collage Art Project
    * Show & Tell
    * Clean up

  • Jerome Walford will lead Super Hero in action drawing on Sunday, March 25 from 1-3pm.

  • RSVP Required. Please email Lisa@ElisaArt.com. Be sure to include: Parent Name, Email, Child(ren) Name and Age(s)

  • Where: Elisa Contemporary Art Gallery, 5622 Mosholu Avenue, Riverdale NY. Street Parking Available. Accessible by Public Transportation.

  • Gallery Hours: Friday/Saturday 10 am - 6pm, and by Appointment.


If you are a local school or have a children's art group and want to set up a special viewing of My Hero contact Lisa Cooper at 212.729.4974 or Lisa@ElisaArt.com

Visiting Artists

Don Morris
Don Morris
Comic Strips, Varnish on Canvas, 42 x 42
Don Morris
Don Morris
A World of Small Heroes, Comic Strips, Varnish on Canvas
Peter Buchman
Peter Buchman
Acrylic on Wood, Spray Paint, Resin, 24 x 24, 2011
Peter Buchman
Peter Buchman
Forty Something Woman, painted wood mosaic, resin, 20" x 16"
Peter Buchman
Peter Buchman
Wonder Man, painted wood mosaic, resin, 20" x 16"
Oliver Peterson
Oliver Peterson
Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas, 24 x 36
Jerome Walford
Jerome Walford
Limited Edition Digital Print, Hand signed and numbered. From "Nowhere Man."
Mitch McGee
Mitch McGee
Layered Birch painting
Oliver Peterson
Oliver Peterson
Mixed Media and Acrylic on Canvas
Oliver Peterson
Oliver Peterson
Mixed Media and Acrylic on Canvas