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Exhibition: October 1 – November 5, 2026
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 1 from 5-7pm
Location: Barnes-Franklin Gallery | CT State Tunxis | 271 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington, CT
Still Matters brings together a body of still life paintings that respond to the current political landscape, along with broader social and environmental concerns, through observation, symbolism, and the familiar language of everyday objects.
The exhibition expands upon a body of work first presented under the same title earlier this year at Alofft Gallery in Litchfield. Since then, the series has continued to evolve, with new paintings extending its exploration of the issues and questions shaping the current moment.
As with much of my still life work, familiar objects provide the starting point. Vintage toys, tools, food, discarded objects, and other commonplace finds are brought together in unexpected relationships, where their original purpose can give way to something more. Humor and nostalgia sometimes provide an entry point, while other works rely on juxtaposition and symbolism to suggest meanings beyond what is immediately visible.
Among the works in the exhibition will be paintings from my I.C.E. Picks series, along with recent works including Shaking Things Up and Drill, Baby, Drill… Each approaches a different subject, but all share an interest in how familiar objects can take on new meaning when placed in a different context.
I’m less interested in telling viewers what to think than in creating a reason to stop, look again, and perhaps see something differently.
Selected works include:
60×40″ oil/canvas
60×40″ oil/canvas
40×40″ oil/canvas
40×40″ oil/canvas
40×40″ oil/canvas
48×48 oil/canvas
40×40 oil/canvas
I hope you’ll have an opportunity to visit the exhibition, and I’d be especially pleased to see you at the opening reception on Thursday, October 1 from 5–7 p.m.
Still Matters
Solo Exhibition of Paintings by Brian McClear
October 1 – November 5, 2026
Opening Reception
Thursday, October 1 | 5–7 p.m.
Barnes-Franklin Gallery
CT State Tunxis
271 Scott Swamp Road
Farmington, Connecticut