NEW YORK CITY - P·P·O·W Gallery is pleased to announce New Works, our eighth solo exhibition of the Dutch artist Teun Hocks.  This new series of photographs, drawings, and videos continues Hocks’ adventure into the absurd and confirms his dexterity and mastery of the process he pioneered, ‘constructed imagery.’  On exhibition January 8 through February 7, 2009. Opening Reception January 8, 6-8 pm.

Hocks’ photographs are cinematic in their process and mood.  First, he constructs scenes in his studio and takes a black and white photograph.  He then hand colors the photographs with transparent oil paint, taking precise care in the coloring in order to create specific emotions and atmosphere.  The accumulation of these elements makes the environments seem like surreal portals.  His films and drawings additionally reveal and delve into these worlds and also give greater insight to his storytelling and creative process. 

Performing as the ‘everyman’ in his photographs, Hocks invents scenes that are confrontations with failure, puzzlement and wonder.  The staged scenes show the man being thwarted, trapped, and frustrated with seemingly no solution.  The mundane becomes heroic, the trivial task becomes a Sisyphean ordeal.  Through it all, Hocks, acting as a stand-in for the viewer, endures with a Buster Keaton-inspired performance. 

Teun Hocks has exhibited internationally for over twenty years.  There are many publications of his work including the Teun Hocks monograph published through Aperture in 2006 with an essay by Janet Koplos and also The Late Hour  a monograph published by De Geus with an essay by Donald Kuspit published in 1999.  His work is included in museums and private collections and has been reproduced in major publications worldwide.

P.P.O.W Gallery - 555 W 25th Street - New York, NY 10001 - (T) 212- 647-1044 - www.ppowgallery.com