ABOUT

ARTIST STATEMENT

Painting routinely offers me an immediate outlet for the ideas I struggle to convey with words. As my skill set has expanded, my focus has shifted towards crafting dialogues through visual storytelling. In many ways, my work centers on haptics - on what you can and can’t hold in the palm of your hand. A common theme that can be found throughout is tactility. Whether it be the subject, as many of my paintings feature hands, or through material such as stretched velvet, touch is at the forefront of most of my work. I find that body language, especially that communicated by a hand, is infinitely expressive and can regularly convey more meaning than words. Because of this, my art is representational with a relatively strict adherence to some form of realism. Rather than dwell on setting, I rely on color to loosely define general moods or themes I want conveyed.

Reducing societal and personal concepts down to objects small enough to be held in a hand forces a maximum amount of symbolism and ambiguity into a limited set of visual elements, streamlining my communicative process. That same ambiguity has tempered not only my relationships but also altered my ways of expression as a artist in the south. Crafting these gray areas of expression in my work has allowed me to find a way to safely interact with and fulfill that longing to connect with people. This longing for connection has bled, both consciously and subconsciously, into my art making it intrinsically tied to my identity.

My work is primarily done in acrylic, oil, and watercolor, but in addition to traditional 2D paintings, my focus is often on 3D clay sculpture, mixed-media, and Augmented Reality (AR). AR is a tool that utilizes mobile device cameras, gyroscopes, and LiDar to scan, recognize, and display additional information that can take the form of video backgrounds, still image overlays, or entire aesthetic remodels of analog paintings. The incorporation of AR adds a further layer of immersion to my work while pushing the boundaries of what experiencing art can be.

Mason Holcomb is an artist, designer, and curator whose creative journey is characterized by a deep passion for the visual arts and a commitment to fostering community engagement through creative expression. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1995, Mason spent most of his childhood in Guntersville, a picturesque lake-town nestled in the northeast corner of the state. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the area, he developed an early appreciation for art and creativity, which would later shape his artistic practice.

Mason’s artistic journey began with formal education in the arts, earning both his Associate and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees with a focus on painting. However, his practical education in the arts started early when he landed a job as an administrative assistant for a local nonprofit art gallery immediately after high school. This experience quickly evolved, and within nine months, he was promoted to Executive Director, overseeing all daily operations of the organization.

During his time as Executive Director of Mountain Valley Arts Council (MVAC) from 2014 to 2019, Holcomb learned invaluable skills in curation, business management, and community engagement. Simultaneously, he pursued his BFA in Painting from Jacksonville State University, where he honed his artistic skills and expanded his creative horizons. Upon completing his degree, Holcomb embarked on a career in teaching, sharing his passion for art with elementary school students while continuing to develop his own artistic practice.

Mason’s dedication to promoting art in his community led to numerous exhibitions and collaborations across Alabama. His solo exhibit "Vignettes" at MVAC in 2016, a permanent installation at The Guntersville Museum in 2019, and his solo exhibit "Reify" at The Gadsden Museum of Art in 2020 are just a few highlights of his prolific career. Additionally, he participated in numerous juried and group exhibitions, further establishing himself as a prominent figure in the Alabama art scene.

In addition to his traditional 2D paintings, Holcomb's artistic practice encompasses 3D clay sculpture, mixed-media, and Augmented Reality (AR). His innovative use of technology, such as incorporating AR into his exhibitions, pushes the boundaries of traditional art experiences, creating immersive and interactive environments for viewers.

Recently, Mason made the decision to relocate to Fayetteville, Arkansas, drawn by the region's vibrant arts community and dynamic cultural landscape. He served as the Curatorial Associate at Art Ventures NWA, where he played a key role in elevating local artists and fostering dialogue through curated exhibitions. However, driven by a desire to fully dedicate himself to his artistic pursuits, Holcomb decided to step away from his role as a curator and focus on his own creative journey.

As an artist, Mason’s work is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail, a commitment to realism, and a profound exploration of themes related to identity, connection, and the human experience. His art serves as a catalyst for introspection, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of life and the universal emotions that bind us together.

Mason’s dedication to artistic excellence and community engagement continues to shape his practice as he embarks on a new chapter in his artistic journey, exploring new mediums, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms, and forging connections with audiences both locally and globally.