Narrative art on view > In November 2024, John Hull ventured into a Catholic cemetery with photographer friend Steve Bliss to gain inspiration for new work—stories started to develop and the characters gathered for the story that he wanted to tell. The inspiration resulted in this show. Often characters find their way into paintings – either people he knows or from television, mainly other artists. One show that struck him was The Lowdown, a crime dramedy television series on FX.
Hull’s work invites viewers to take a closer look at the cast of characters he puts into his paintings. If you look carefully, you will find Ethan Hawk, star of The Lowdown, sharing a moment with Hull’s dog Forrest. Forrest, like many of his dogs, have made their way into several of Hull’s works over the years. Other cameos include friends and other artists that Hull admires – like Tony Anthony, Robert Rodriguez, Clint Eastwood, and Sergio Leone.
As Hull puts it, “I’m telling a story about artists. This is the artist, and the explorations of human beings in their role in the universe.” This main theme he explores, whether it is in a graveyard, a junkyard in Wyoming, a wrestling training center in Colorado, or baseball field, becomes evident.
Stories of life passages – “a series of psychological stories filled with boredom and wonder” are told by Hull. He wants to show human relationships and “the individual’s struggle to find equilibrium amidst passion and doubt. No matter how many different series or narrative ideas I explore as a painter, I think I end up telling the same story.”
“John Hull, The Lowdown: The Lost Episodes” is on view at Corrigan Gallery in Charleston, South Carolina, March 2-31, 2026.
