With the anticipation of the fast approaching exhibition opening of From Warhol to Banksy, the Gallery is buzzing with all things Pop Art. The AGGV’s Art Rental & Sales department will be enjoying the same rush with the March 13 Show & Sale, Nothing to See Here, featuring work by the collaborative force Hoey-Xōchitl, comprised of two local Victoria artists, Tim Hoey and Zandra Xōchitl. Erin Cooper, AR&S Coordinator interviews the dynamic duo to learn more about these edgy pieces with big statements.
Erin Cooper: As individuals you both have unique methods of painting; How did your collaboration start and how quickly did you find your rhythm to create together?
Hoey-Xōchitl: We both had gone thru pretty dramatic life changes & began just being friends, who happened to both be artists, just talking and sharing stories over cups of coffee. The first collaborations were more of a fun exercise of small works where my portraits were slammed like stickers onto Zandra’s work. We both began encouraging (or egging each other on) to entwine them more together. Taking the bigger risk to trust, that either of us could at anytime wreck the others’ work, or create something even better. We’re both pretty engaged politically so the opportunity to explore that more collaboratively has been a good way to expand our thinking while still being cheeky with it.
EC: Can you talk a little bit about the technique and how it’s developed?
HX: I always paint my subject first, background last. I think it’s an icing before cake thing. Sometimes I confront Zandra with an image on a blank canvas, other times I’m handed one of her paintings to add to it. All the pieces in the end have Zandra laying the last marks or punchlines.
EC: What does the title “Nothing to See Here” mean to you?
HX: It’s almost a cliché in old cop movies when there’s a crime scene or car crash and the cop says ‘Nothing to see here folks, keep moving’. There’s always something to see, something to interpret. Just look.
EC: Tim, you are widely known for your successful O’ Canada and Local’s Only series; How does it feel to switch it up?
HX: Both Zandra and I are recognized for our distinctive work and styles. In many ways that restricts from jumping away from what’s appreciated. Combining what we do enables us to play with ideas and themes we’ve had but never had the guts to expose, or to push further. We might just be our own best or worst enablers.
– Written by Erin Cooper, AGGV Art Rental & Sales Coordinator
Nothing to See Here Show & Sale, opens in the Massey Sales Gallery on Thursday, March 13.
Join us for the Opening Reception from 5-8pm.
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Image Credit: Mugshots of artist duo Hoey-Xōchitl, Tim Hoey and Zandra Xōchitl. Photographs by Deanna Milligan.
