Charlie Hewitt

About the Exhibition

Hewitt’s “Hopeful” piece is a large sign, made in the style of 1960s drive-in and car culture. It features the word “Hopeful” in colored letters that are covered in carnival lights. Hewitt says he was inspired by a desire to do something about mass shootings across America. The work is uplifting, fun and flashy – literally, and in a good sense. Culture is where we perform our values. Art is the stuff of intentional messaging. Hewitt’s “Prayer” is poignantly succinct, so succinct, in fact, that it is anything but heavy-handed, despite the weight of his motivation. His initial idea was to have works from this limited edition series be installed in cities where infamous mass shootings have taken place. He wants them to go elsewhere as well, such as to homeless shelters. The sculpture, right at the nexus of five Portland neighborhoods, is a call for action – as prayers generally are. We have work to do, the sign hints, and we have the ability to succeed.

About the Artist 

Charlie Hewitt, a prolific printmaker, painter, and sculptor, lives and works in Portland, Maine. Stylistically rooted in expressionism and surrealism, Hewitt’s art is both playful and serious, a quality he shares with artists Alexander Calder, Joan Miro, Paul Klee, and his mentor Philip Guston. Hewitt’s most important work to date is the Urban Rattle sculpture on the High Line Park in Chelsea, New York. Urban Rattle, located in the courtyard in the back of Ten23, is the only permanent artwork installed along the High Line Park. Charlie Hewitt has since installed large public Urban Rattle sculptures in Lewiston and Portland, Maine.

His imagery is largely influenced from the mill-working communities he grew up around. The energy and culture of these communities and the values of church, family, and work have infused his artwork and are the foundation of his imagery and symbols. Hewitt’s work is represented in numerous collections, including those of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY; Whitney Museum of American Art, NY; New York Public Library, NY; Brooklyn Museum, NY; Library of Congress, Washington, DC; and the Portland Museum of Art, ME.