By LENNIE BENNETT, Times art critic
Published September 1, 2005
Words have been mainstays in art since the pop movement's ascension began in the 1960s. Bradley Arthur shares a kinship with artists such as Robert Indiana and Ed Ruscha who have made careers of language as an aesthetic experience. But Bradley's sculptural installations, which he calls "Shadow Thoughts," are meant to engage rather than detach us, without the ironic smirk.
"Black & White & Grey Matter" is his latest series of word art, on display at Hillsborough Community College Ybor Campus Art Gallery, 14th Street and Palm Avenue, Tampa, through Sept. 29. His spare constructions of steel, paint and paper carry double meanings, such as WORE/TORN, above. Made like cutaway boxes, they project their messages using light and shadow, a reminder that human communication is, at best, nuanced and cryptic. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday. For information, call (813) 253-7674.
