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June 18, 2018 – Fort Myers, FL – This July, Bradford Hermann brings his eccentric art to downtown Fort Myers. Opening Friday, July 6th at 6pm, “A Head of the Past” features Hermann’s mask collection. Take part in this inquisitive show that examines the masks we wear. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
“A Head of the Past” is an exhibition created by artist Bradford Shaw Hermann consisting primarily of masks using different materials, repurposed man-made materials, as well as natural materials. The first discovered mask in human history dates as far back as 7,000 B.C. They could date back much further but the materials used (leather/wood) did not survive. Masks can also be merely an idea in order to conceal identities. These are all examples of human masks, but, humans are not the only animals to use them. Most living creatures use some variation of a mask. Whether it be for protection, dominance, courtship, warning and/or survival.
A mask is an object normally worn on the face, typically for protection, disguise, performance, or entertainment. Masks have been used since antiquity for both ceremonial and practical purposes. The use of masks in rituals or ceremonies is a very ancient common practice across the world, although masks can also be worn for protection, in hunting, in sports, in feasts, or in wars, or simply used as ornamentation. But there are also the psychological masks, the persona, the social face that humans present to the world, a mask designed, on the one hand, to make a definite impression upon others, and on the other, to conceal the true nature of the individual.
“A Head of the Past” can be best understood via a quote from E.E. Cummings: “The greatest battle we face as human beings is the battle to protect our true selves from the selves the world wants us to become.” Experience this captivating exhibition that speculates on the human condition. Join SBDAC for the opening night celebration on July 6th in the Capital Gallery from 6pm – 10pm.
It was in 1998 that Bradford Hermann was fortunate enough to travel to Africa, Egypt, and the Seychelles Islands. Upon his return, despite never having taken art classes, he felt compelled to paint a picture of a photo he captured in Kenya. When someone insisted on purchasing the painting, it sparked a life-long passion that has now been 20 years in the making. Bradford’s accolades as a visual artist include features in magazines, both local and international, including cover exposure; numerous features in newspapers, including front page articles; many online publications; a novel cover (The Tooth Fairy), and the background for a music video album for Morgan Li (Norway Idol Winner). He was also the feature artist on the P.B.S. television shows, Curious Kids,  Imagination, and his creations are in hundreds of private collections around the globe. Bradford has won Best in Show, People’s Choice, and Judges Choice honors in a number of competitions and exhibitions. Mr. Hermann has also donated much of his art in support of many research foundations and non-profit organizations from animal cruelty to cancer.
Bradford Hermann: “A Head of the Past”
Friday, July 6, 2018 | 6pm – 10pm
Free Admission
Visit www.sbdac.com or call 239 333 1933 for more info.

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