Left: Dennis McNett, If Not Now, When? • woodcut print on cloth, acrylics • 56"x38" • 2024
Right: Ben Venom, Skull Virus, embroidery with fabric, 2024

Dennis McNett & Ben Venom: IF NOT NOW, WHEN?
September 6th – September 29th, 2024

Paradigm Gallery + Studio is pleased to present IF NOT NOW, WHEN?, a two-person exhibition featuring the work of Dennis McNett (Wolfbat) and Ben Venom.
The DIY, punk ethos of IF NOT NOW, WHEN? hinges on both a kindred vibrancy and the joint mastery of craft shared by the artists.

Interdisciplinary artist Dennis McNett’s multi-faceted prints and ornately painted wood carvings confront viewers with symbolic imagery of the natural world, while Ben Venom works with repurposed materials to create textile-based pieces that contrast the often menacing and aggressive counterculture components of gangs, punk/metal music, and the occult with the comforts of domesticity. Both artists encourage discussion about cultural traditions and humanity’s impact on our environment whilst simultaneously challenging traditional notions of craft and fine art practices. The exhibition will feature new collections of work from each artist as well as collaborative pieces. IF NOT NOW, WHEN? will be on view on the first floor of the Paradigm Arts Building (12 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia) from September 6th through September 29, 2024, with a public opening reception on Friday, September 6 from 6:00-8:00 pm.

OPENING RECEPTION:
Friday, September 6, 2024
6:00 – 8:00 PM
RSVP here*
*appreciated but not required 

EXHIBITION HOURS
Thursdays • 10 AM – 6 PM
Fridays • 10 AM – 6 PM
Saturdays • 11 AM – 6 PM
Sundays • 11 AM – 5 PM
And by appointment outside of hours.

LOCATION
12 N. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

*View/Purchase Artwork Here*

About Dennis McNett
Dennis McNett is an interdisciplinary artist whose work conjures a synergistic storm of printmaking, sculpture, storytelling, and community.

A multifaceted maker of large-scale installations, sculptures, wood carvings, print editions, and beyond, McNett is also known for his iconic, larger-than-life woodcut print-covered puppets and masks that are used to lead narrative ceremonies and public processions. His unique happenings and workshops have been hosted by diverse art institutions, universities, music festivals, and special events across the US and abroad, including over thirty visiting artist and lecturer appointments.

About Ben Venom
Ben Venom is a textile artist based in San Francisco. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally at the Levi Strauss Museum, the National Folk Museum of Korea, HPGRP Gallery, Taubman Museum, Gallery Poulsen, and the Gregg Museum. Venom has been interviewed by NPR, Playboy, Juxtapoz, KQED, Quiltfolk, and CBS Sunday Morning.

About Paradigm Gallery + Studio
Paradigm Gallery + Studio® was established in 2010 by co-founders and curators, Jason Chen and Sara McCorriston. The gallery exhibits meaningful, process-intense contemporary artwork by emerging and mid-career artists from around the world, with a focus on Philadelphia. In 2023, Paradigm moved locations and opened its new 5-story, 7,000 sq. ft. home, The Paradigm Arts Building, in Old City, Philadelphia. Open to the public, the building boasts multiple floors of exhibition space, integrated in-house design and printmaking, a dedicated events floor, and art advisory offices. With this, Chen and McCorriston expanded their vision for the greater Philadelphia arts community. The gallery is at the heart of this vision, anchoring Paradigm’s overall mission of increasing access to the commercial art world, supporting artists and advancing their careers, and collaborating with like-minded partners to build a more equitable, sustainable arts economy for all.

MEDIA CONTACT
For all inquiries contact info@paradigm-gallery.com

SOCIAL MEDIA
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*View/Purchase Artwork Here*