Andrew Schoultz Channels History’s Turmoil and Triumph in ‘Rhythms’ at Halsey McKay

The Halsey McKay Gallery presents “Rhythms,” a solo exhibition by artist Andrew Schoultz, running now through August 25.

Drawing inspiration from centuries of art history — including stained glass, mapmaking, miniature paintings, Op-Art, naturalism, and comic books — Schoultz’s work explores themes of war, spirituality and sociopolitical turmoil. His imagery reflects an ephemeral history that repeats itself, mirroring contemporary struggles over accumulation and power.

Though his world appears chaotic and frenzied, it also conveys wonder, hope and generosity. Navigating between representation and abstraction, Schoultz’s hypnotic works serve as meditative allegories that raise questions without offering clear answers.

The exhibition features implicit references to cataclysm through images of smashed or sinking cultural artifacts, fiery skies, volcanoes, perched owls and twisting trees. While acknowledging modern threats to civilization, the works also suggest possibilities of positive rebirth and hope, expressed through swirling, meditative patterns.

Born in Milwaukee in 1975, Schoultz is a former professional skateboarder who moved to San Francisco in 1998 to earn his BFA from the Academy of Arts University. His outdoor murals featuring wooden war horses, twisted trees, erupting volcanoes, tornadoes and flying arrows are integral to the urban landscape of San Francisco’s Mission District.

Schoultz’s diverse body of work includes paintings, drawings, sculptures and installations. His pieces have been exhibited throughout Europe, the Middle East and the United States, and are held in the permanent collections of institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, The Marciano Collection, and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

“Rhythms” is on view at Halsey McKay Gallery Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery is located at 79a Newtown Lane, East Hampton. For more information, visit halseymckay.com.