CAPE ANN’S PREMIERE ARTHOUSE CINEMA TO HOST POSTHUMOUS JON SARKIN ART EXHIBITION

“SuperArtist” Is A Tribute to Sarkin’s Legacy Featuring Batman, Superman, Daredevil, and Original Characters

[Rockport, MA * Sept. 23, 2024] – The Cape Ann Community Cinema’s new Vincent Price Gallery will debut “Jon Sarkin: SuperArtist,” a one-of-a-kind art exhibition celebrating the life and work of renowned late artist Jon Sarkin, whose vibrant, energetic pieces captivated art enthusiasts worldwide. This solo show, which opens with a reception on Saturday, October 5 at 6 PM, marks the first public exhibition of Sarkin’s art since his passing in his Gloucester art studio on July 19, 2024 at age 71. The event will be an artistic journey through Sarkin's vivid imagination, showcasing his unique take on icons from the comic books of his youth, as well as from the silver screen and his own collection of original characters.

The exhibition will not only feature traditional gallery hangings of Sarkin’s intricate and colorful artwork but will also immerse visitors in a carefully curated installation that evokes the atmosphere of a “Supervillain Lair.” The setup draws inspiration from the dark, psychological spaces of films like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Se7en and The Batman, adding a unique and thought-provoking twist to the overall theme. Attendees will experience a space that mirrors the lair of a complex villain, blurring the lines between hero and antihero, good and evil, as interpreted by Sarkin’s unconventional artistic vision.

"I like the idea that what Batman does is take the negative energy of his fear of bats, couples it with his grief and rage, and transforms it into something different, something… good?” Sarkin said in 2021. “There's something resonant about dealing with your fears head-on, confronting your inner demons, and rising above it all... and I just think Batman is cool! I love the car and the gadgets, the Batcave, and all the great supervillains."

“During the 10 years the Cinema was on Main Street in Gloucester,” Cape Ann Community Cinema creative director Rob Newton explains, “Jon and I got to know each other as neighbors. He came in to watch movies, borrow DVDs, and eventually, I gave him a key and he adorned our piano with his artistic mojo. He was like a really cool uncle.”

Sarkin’s work, which often blends elements of pop culture, abstract expressionism, and surrealism, has been displayed in galleries and museums around the world. He was known for his bold, intricate designs and his ability to transform complex emotions and ideas into art that resonated with audiences of all kinds. This exhibition aims to honor that legacy, offering the first posthumous glimpse into the mind of a truly visionary artist.

The “Jon Sarkin: SuperArtist” art exhibition will run from October 5 to January 1 at the Cape Ann Community Cinema’s new Vincent Price Gallery, located at 37 Whistlestop Mall, Rockport, MA. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend the opening reception on Saturday October 5 from 6pm to 10pm. For more information, visit www.CapeAnnCinema.com.

The award-winning Cape Ann Community Cinema, an audience favorite since its founding in 2007, is the North Shore’s premiere independent movie theater, dedicated to showcasing a diverse range of films, events, and cultural experiences. The cinema frequently collaborates with local artists and organizations to bring engaging and thought-provoking content to audiences of all ages.

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Contacts:

Mark Henderson
Sarkin Studio Manager
art@jonsarkin.com 
978-328-4466

Rob Newton
Cinema Creative Director
CapeAnnCinema@gmail.com
978-226-3800