Page 146 - Cityview_May_June_2014

ARTS

In THE BACK

Mike Berry

Mike Berry’s paintings communicate
the fresh, exciting energy of downtown

Knoxville. With pastels, acrylics, and oils,

Berry has captured both cityscapes and
the attention of Knoxville’s community.

Initially studying to be an illustrator,
Berry earned his M.f.A. from the Savan-

nah College of Art & Design in 1997. But
it wasn’t until 2004, when he moved to

his studio in downtown Knoxville, that

Berry discovered his vision for his work.
In a style he describes as “expressive

modernism,” Berry’s paintings communi-
cate the revitalization of downtown city

life. By bending perspective and toying

with the interplay of natural and artificial
light, Berry’s broad gestures and playful

color palate communicate his love for
Knoxville.

While Berry’s work captures, as he

says, “the essence of human life moving
through the city,” the Knoxville com-

munity has rallied behind his work. Pilot
food Marts, the Knoxville Symphony

orchestra, and the Dogwood Arts festival
have all featured his paintings or prints.

Recently, Visit Knoxville commissioned

Berry to create a print in celebration of
Boomsday. This print, along with more of

Berry’s pieces, will be unveiled at Plum
gallery on Saturday, June 7.

You can ind Berry’s work permanently on display

at Plum Gallery on Kingston Pike. On the First
Friday of every month, his studio at the Emporium

Center is open to the public. Berry also manages

the UT Downtown Gallery on Gay Street.

Story by noelle Harb
Photograph by tyler oxendine

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cityviewmag.com may june 2014