The brand spanking new Hurley )( Space Gallery opens its doors this weekend in Costa Mesa, Ca. Long time supporters of the arts, Hurley have appointed Annie Adjchavanich, past director of Billy Shire Fine Arts, as the gallery’s curator.

The inaugural exhibition features Mike Stilkey (interviewed), fresh from his wonderful centre-piece installation in the UK at Corey Helford Gallery’s museum show “Art from the New World” exhibition, with a new exhibition entitled “Reminiscent”. Small scale book sculptures will accompany Stilkey’s biggest book installation yet…. 5,000 recycled books have been sourced from publishers, local libraries and Hurley employees to make up the huge two part installation. Stilkey’s paintbrush reinvigorates the books and brings a new lease of life to these unloved and unwanted objects otherwise destined for pulping machines.

Check out some more preview images of the small scale works and further flicks of Mike working on the install after the jump.

A batch of books arrive!

A batch of books arrive!

...some of the detritus found within the used books...

...some of the detritus found within the used books...

It also sounds as if Hurley will be gearing up for more exciting sounding upcoming shows. Next up in July is James Marshall aka Dalek’s (interviewed) “Cut it Out” exhibition – another great installation based show – where the full length gallery walls will be covered in an 8 foot high mural, and attendees will be able to pick a section of the painting to take home. Watch for more on that here soon.

The )( Space Gallery is located at Hurley’s headquarters – 1945 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa, Ca. with the opening reception to be held Saturday 5th June from 6-10pm, with the show running until July 2nd.

Discuss this show here.
Discuss Mike Stilkey here.