Jack Powell’s “Creatures” Art Show to Include Prints, Video & Music

By Garrett McCullum
Contributing Writer

Multi-talented local artist Jack Powell unleashes his creatures in West Ashley this week. Alchemy Coffee & Art is presenting Powell’s innovative artwork throughout the month of March, and is kicking things off with a one-of-a-kind opening celebration this Friday, Feb. 27 from 6-9 p.m.

For the show, Powell has put together a wildly creative series of digital prints, and will also be premiering a unique 30-minute video accompanied by an original score. As an added bonus, local favorite DJ Kurfu will be spinning throughout the evening.

Originally from Chapel Hill, Powell moved to Charleston ten years ago and received a degree in graphic design from Trident Technical College “I’ve always been artistically inclined, but the majority of my work comes from my graphic design background,” says Powell, who began experimenting with digital mediums years back, when putting together posters and other promotional materials for his band The Key of Q. Since then, he has created a style all his own, and quite a repertoire of computer-based artwork.

When not making art, Powell does web and logo design and co-owns a video production company called Open Dome Productions. As part of a new project, the company has invested in a state of the art inflatable, immersive dome-shaped theatre. Fitting up to 60 people, Powell plans on using the mobile theatre, along with a number of high-definition projectors, as an educational device for local schools during the daytime. And by night, after some video and content development, it will be transformed into a brand new form of live entertainment. Powell admits that he has been getting more and more into the video side of art, and is excited to show his film at Friday’s opening.

The film, which will play once at 6:30 p.m. and again at 8 p.m., provides a captivating look at street art from around the world, and is set to musical piece composed by Powell.

Also on display will be a series of fourteen black and white creature prints. “They represent an amalgam of different animals all spliced together,” says Powell. The clarity and simplicity of the black and white coloring is in perfect contrast to the odd and imaginative collection of hybrid critters. These, along with a series of whimsical animal portraits and a handful of other prints, come together to create a truly fascinating contemporary art show.