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We are honored to present WRONG WAY, a comprehensive solo show featuring recent paintings by Memphis-based artist Alexander Paulus. This will be Paulus’ first solo show at the 430 gallery in two years. In WRONG WAY, Paulus aims to explore the experience of distorted realities. Through the show’s humor and witty imagery, it challenges viewers to consider their own conceptions of reality.

WRONG WAY exhibits a dynamic collection of Paulus’ newest paintings. In his latest series, Paulus explores the theme of willful ignorance. Through his paintings, Paulus is able to illustrate the misperceived realities of the willfully ignorant. Throughout the show, there is a wonderful sense of dichotomy. Paulus’ work is simultaneously humorous and calamitous. The paintings in WRONG WAY feel surreal and bizarre though still grounded in reality thanks to Paulus’ sharp utilization of pop culture references.

Throughout the collection, Paulus’ use of bright colors and keen sense of humor plays against the darker undertones of many of the pieces. The duality of his work invites viewers into the piece and keeps them engaged. The show steers clear of pretension and welcomes a good laugh; Paulus’ paintings don’t pretend to take themselves too seriously. Simultaneously, Paulus utilizes the accessibility of his work to enable viewers to step outside of their own reality and address broader societal issues in a nuanced way. WRONG WAY is a show made of so many layers, it truly has something for everyone.

About the artist:
Alexander Paulus received his BFA at Southeast Missouri State University before earning an MFA from Memphis College of Art in 2009. Since then, Paulus has remained a vital part of the Memphis art community as an Assistant Professor at Southwest Tennessee Community College as well as an artist resident at Crosstown Arts. Paulus’s work has gained attention both at home and abroad. His paintings have been shown in galleries throughout Memphis, Nashville, Dallas, Houston, Aspen, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Edinburgh, London and many others. Additionally, his work has been published in New American Paintings, Studio Visit magazine, It’s Nice That Printed Pages magazine, Electra magazine, Ladybeard magazine, Osso Magazine, Neon Magazine, Beautiful/Decay, and Glasstire.