FRESH PAINT: Reggie Burrows Hodges Brings a New Perspective to the Parrish Art Museum
The Parrish Art Museum and The FLAG Art Foundation have unveiled the latest installation in their acclaimed FRESH PAINT series, this time spotlighting Reggie Burrows Hodges. On view from February 13 through June 9, 2025, the exhibition introduces Labor: Sound Bath (2022), a striking new work from Hodges’s Labor series, marking its first-ever public debut.
A New Narrative in Landscape Painting
Hodges’s Labor: Sound Bath (2022) presents a rich, atmospheric depiction of a rural landscape, where a lone figure, almost inseparable from the lush environment, tends to the land. Drawing from his memories of California’s Central Valley, an area known for its vast agricultural output, Hodges illuminates the essential—yet often overlooked—human presence behind the industry. The Labor series celebrates the timeless tradition of harvesting and gardening while subtly addressing the economic and social complexities tied to agricultural labor.
With his signature painterly approach, Hodges starts with a black canvas and constructs the composition through diffused brushwork, shifting focus from the human subject to the surrounding environment. Figures materialize within the landscape, their presence both subtle and significant, echoing themes of identity, community, and resilience.
FRESH PAINT: A Platform for Timely Artistic Expression
FRESH PAINT, a rotating exhibition series at the Parrish, challenges conventional timelines by offering artists an immediate platform to present new or rarely seen works. By doing so, the museum fosters direct engagement with pressing contemporary themes. Labor: Sound Bath follows in the footsteps of impactful exhibitions by Lauren Halsey and Derrick Adams, reaffirming the Parrish’s commitment to showcasing diverse and thought-provoking artistic voices.
Mónica Ramírez-Montagut, Executive Director of the Parrish Art Museum, underscored the importance of this exhibition, stating:
“We are thrilled to present this outstanding piece by Reggie Burrows Hodges, which not only continues the East End’s tradition of American landscapes—established by Impressionist William Merritt Chase and his en plein air school, the first in the U.S.—but also builds on the momentum of Lauren Halsey’s and Derrick Adams’ impactful exhibitions.”
Mónica Ramírez-Montagut, Executive Director of the Parrish Art Museum
Each FRESH PAINT installation is accompanied by two layers of interpretative engagement: a commissioned essay from an invited writer, critic, or scholar, and a collaboration with the museum’s Teen Council ARTscope program. These perspectives bring fresh insights into the featured work, enriching the audience’s experience and understanding.
About the Artist: Reggie Burrows Hodges
Born in Compton, California, Hodges is a celebrated artist known for his evocative use of narrative and metaphor in painting. His works transcend literal representation, inviting viewers into an emotional and psychological space shaped by memory and lived experience. With exhibitions in major galleries and institutions, Hodges’s art continues to challenge perception, emphasizing the relationship between human figures and their surroundings.
A Collaboration with The FLAG Art Foundation
The FRESH PAINT series is made possible through the ongoing partnership between the Parrish Art Museum and The FLAG Art Foundation. Founded by Glenn Fuhrman in 2008, FLAG has curated over 100 exhibitions featuring nearly 1,000 artists, all with a commitment to supporting contemporary voices and broadening access to art.
Plan Your Visit
FRESH PAINT: Reggie Burrows Hodges is free to the public during Museum hours and will be on display through June 9, 2025. More information on this exhibition and the museum’s programming can be found at Parrish Art Museum.