Wynwood Art Walk Reception & Meet the Artist: Byron Keith Byrd
1-14-12 thru 2-4-12, 9pm-12am
Wynwood Exhibition Center
297 NW 23rd Street
Miami, FL 33127
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Artist Byron Keith Byrd challenges the age-old beliefs of Christianity in his upcoming solo exhibition, Biblical Proportions, presented by Wynwood Exhibition Center in Miami, Florida.

He examines the validity of its claims through works like “Religious Trap”, a 103-inch tall wooden cross which is seemingly plain from a distance. Upon closer inspection, it is revealed to be constructed of over 300 wooden mousetraps, a clear reference to “religious trappings.”

Byrd goes on to examine current events with “Protest,” a 50” x 67” oil on canvas depicting the bigoted stance taken by Pastor Fred Phelps and his devout followers of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas.

“Bible Belt” presents another double entendre: It is a mixed media work which incorporates a leather belt embossed with tiny Bibles and praying hands. Mounted on raw wood, it is embellished with gold leaf, featuring the abbreviations of some 15 states which comprise the ‘Bible Belt’ of the southern-most United States. Viewers may wonder if this piece might be attributed to abuse suffered at the hands of the belt meted down by a strict religious father delivering a domestic brand of Old Testament justice.

In Biblical Proportions, Byrd asks viewers to confront their religious misconceptions and spiritual beliefs while also posing this question: Why have the belief systems of various faiths been the impetus for child abuse, prejudice and war?

The gallery will host a reception on Saturday, January 14th, 2012, 7-10 pm. The artist will be present and the exhibition will run through February 4th. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from 5 – 11 pm, Saturday from 9 – 11 pm or Monday through Friday by appointment.

Art Walk After Party with DJ Supersede at Cafeina Wynwood Lounge, adjacent to the Wynwood Exhibition Center. Tequila Love specials all night, Kitchen open till 1AM.