Charles J. Hodge III (C J)
Charles Hodge III (1963, NJ, United States) makes paintings, abstractions and drawings. By applying abstraction, C J creates intense personal moments masterfully created by means of images from the past using iconic and at times amusing symbolism luring the viewer round and round in circles.
His paintings often refer to pop and mass culture and how they fit into our lives. Using written and drawn symbols and words, a world where light-heartedness rules and where rules are undermined is created. Several reoccurring subject matter can be recognized, such as the relation with popular culture and media, working with repetition, provocation and the investigation of the process. Mirth and deeper meaning often walk together hand in hand in his paintings.
His works often do not show the complete structure but let the viewer complete the image. Often iconic images are used in a manner never intended by their creators. This results in the fact that the artist can easily imagine an own interpretation without being hindered by the historical reality. By using popular themes such as sexuality, family and violence, he tries to increase the dynamic between audience and author by objectifying emotions and investigating the duality that develops through different interpretations.
His works reference recognizable form and change them to new interpretations. The results are deconstructed to the extent that meaning is shifted and possible interpretation becomes multifaceted.
C J’s work can be viewed on many levels, all of them interesting and thought provoking.
Shows and Gallery Representation
One man show, The Generic Bar, Marshall St. Syracuse NY. 1986
Jewish Home, DeWitt, NY. 1995
Chasen Gallery, Sarasota, FL. 1997
One Man show, JCL Gallery Armory Square, Syracuse NY. 1998
The Square Gallery, Syracuse NY. 1998
Associated Artists, Manlius, NY. 2003 -07
Cazenovia College Group Shows, 2003, 04, 05, 06.
Delevan Art Gallery, Syracuse NY. yearly shows, (1 featured show) and represented by for 7 years.
Szozda Art Gallery, Syracuse NY. yearly shows, (4 featured shows) and represented by for 8 years.
Homer Center for the Arts, 6 years of group shows.
One man show, Beard Gallery, Cortland NY. 2014
The Dowd Gallery, Cortland NY. 2013
Quintus Gallery, Watkins Glenn NY. 2017-18
Fringed Benefits, Fayetteville NY. 2 man show, 2019
Olive on Brooklea, Fayetteville NY.
Hadley Design, Jamesville NY.
art haus/SYR, Syracuse NY. Group Show, 2024
Articles and Features
The Homes Guide Magazine
The Boston Globe
Popular Photography Magazine
Syracuse Newspapers
The Post Standard
The STARS Magazine
The New Times Magazine