New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


SOPAC's Gallery Hosts Work By Joe Waks

originally published: 02/21/2018

SOPAC's Gallery Hosts Work By Joe Waks

(SOUTH ORANGE , NJ) -- The South Orange Performing Arts Center’s Herb and Milly Iris Gallery will host a new exhibit from New Jersey artist Joe Waks featuring mixed-media paintings featuring imagery from a by-gone era that sends the mind spinning into thought-provoking commentary about today’s world. Waks’ “ Kwalité Paintings” show, on display March 5-April 27 contains 17 artistic renderings of juxtaposed images that become social commentary.

Waks describes himself as a painter/bon vivant/provocateur who creates works that titillate, inspire and/or annoy both serfs and royalty alike, and his wit and irreverence shine through in his paintings. His mixed media paintings serve as an observation on the interconnected world we inhabit. His work reflects our universal consumerist ethos by presenting us with a “re-contextualized” ideal of the icons and emblems, common amongst disparate civilizations that share planet earth.

This narrative, along with lively execution, are what Gallery Curator Jeremy Moss knew would resonate with audiences at the Herb & Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC. Moss noted, “I enjoy the fact that art patrons will be thoughtfully provoked by the subject matter of these mixed-media paintings.”

Joe Waks is a largely self-taught painter, photographer and printmaker who resides in beautiful Bayonne, New Jersey. He is also an attorney who has worked at the highest levels of local, state and federal government in his beloved Garden State. Waks’ mixed media creations underscore his passion for politics and popular culture.

Waks is an audacious commentator on these kooky times. Observant as a seasoned reporter who never leaves home without his “Little Pad of Ideas,” he doesn’t let a headline or artifact exemplifying America’s past grandeur and current status as a nation driving off a cliff at 80 mph, or slice of pizza get by him. Though Waks can be accused of being absent-minded -- he’s been known to leave his personal effects on the roof of his car as he speeds off -- he is constantly unearthing the teeny-tiny things that go unnoticed in everyday life. 



 
Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



Joe Waks was a 2008 New Jersey Print and Paper Fellow at the Brodsky Center for Innovative Editions at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. He has had numerous solo and group shows at galleries in New Jersey and New York, including two highly successful solo exhibitions in 2010. His works are in private collections in New York City, Los Angeles and many others in the United States and Canada. Waks is also in the permanent collection of the Jersey City Museum, and Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide, part of one of the largest public relations agencies, recently acquired several of his paintings for its renowned collection.

There will be an opening reception on Thursday, March 8 from 6:00pm-9:00pm. The Herb and Milly Iris Gallery is located on the second and third floors of the South Orange Performing Arts Center at 1 SOPAC Way in South Orange, NJ.

The Herb & Milly Iris Gallery brings contemporary art to the community, providing artists opportunities to reach new audiences. The Gallery is designed for moviegoers, theater enthusiasts, art lovers, and all citizens of South Orange alike to have an opportunity to further enrich their cultural lives. The Gallery is the impetus of former SOPAC Board of Governor’s member Milly Iris who had an extensive art collection, was an art teacher, and the former owner/director of South Orange’s Whichcraft Gallery. Along with her husband Herb, Milly was a longtime supporter of SOPAC.

Since 2006, SOPAC has been serving as a premier performing arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The premier arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs for all ages.  To further expand its offerings, SOPAC has a partnership with the Juilliard School of Music to present Juilliard @ SOPAC — a series featuring upcoming musicians from the acclaimed conservatory.  SOPAC is home for Seton Hall University Arts Council’s performances, including Classical Concert Series, Jazz ‘N the Hall performances and Seton Hall University Theatre productions.  SOPAC also presents performances by its theater company in-residence, American Theater Group. For more information, visit SOPACnow.org



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY


An Evening with Jon Stewart

Friday, March 29, 2024 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theater)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
category: community

Click here for full description


Manhattan Comedy Night: March

Friday, March 29, 2024 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: comedy

Click here for full description


Rebirth Brass Band

Friday, March 29, 2024 @ 8:00pm
The Vogel
99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
category: music

Click here for full description


Click here for more events

Listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages.

Click here for more info.







 

LATEST NEWS


Ocean Casino Resort presents Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Ocean Casino Resort presents Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo on Saturday, July 6, 2024 in Ovation Hall. In a pop culture world defined by its perpetual changes, the partnership of singer songwriter Pat Benatar and producer-musician Neil Giraldo has been a potent, steadfast union that has soared to the top of the charts and into fans' hearts on their own terms. Showtime is 8:00pm.


The Princeton Folk Music Society to Celebrate Pete Seeger's legacy with Professor Allan Winkler




Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival Returns April 21st




Jersey Arts TV: MPAC Sees Pilobolus Return with "re:CREATION"


Click here for more event previews







New Jersey Stage

© 2024 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
info@newjerseystage.com

Nobody covers the Arts
throughout the Garden State
like New Jersey Stage!


Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and on our RSS feed


Art | Comedy | Dance | Film | Music | Theatre | Ad Rates | About Us | Pitch a Story | Links | Radio Shows | Privacy Policy