Cleveland Scene | “General Maintenance,” Featuring the Latest Works by Cleveland Artist Justin Brennan, Opening at HEDGE Gallery

An exhibition titled "General Maintenance," referring to the need for some sort of aid, pacifier or crutch to get us through a life fraught with challenges mundane and complex, is a pretty appropriate way to start 2021. Which is a good reason to head to HEDGE Gallery next Friday, Jan 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. to see the latest work by Cleveland artist Justin Brennan.

“We all need something to get us by and maintain. Sometimes its drugs, alcohol, medication, therapy, etc," Brennan said. "For me, it is a few of these things and my art form, painting. These items were all I had, abused or needed before and especially during the pandemic. This body of work is the various stages I went through over the last two years. One of the ways I maintained.”

Brennan’s work in this exhibition will feature portraits of him as well as some of his loved ones and extends to more narrative, symbolistic and personal subject matter reflecting on mental health and addiction which are two issues many face amidst the many challenges presented by the pandemic.