MARYANN HELD

TOOTH & NAIL

solo exhibition

January 18th - February 16th, 2025

Opening Reception: First Friday, February 7th, 2025 ​

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Arch Enemy Arts presents TOOTH & NAIL by Maryann Held. A series of seven reverent paintings, illustrated in acrylic with gold leaf accents in gorgeous antique frames, depict birds and other beasts of transcendence. Across genres and around the world, birds have come to symbolize death, change, and new life. They quite literally “rise above” and cross between our worlds, passing through both physical and spiritual realms. 

 

Thematically, the birds, snake and fox of TOOTH & NAIL serve as fitting partners to the vibrant patterns and folk-inspired hex signs at the core of Held’s signature style. In terms of technique, these creatures demonstrate the artist’s refined and ever-sharpening ability to paint both ends of the representational artistic spectrum. Her naturalistic renderings of feathers and fur float alongside hand-wrought and impossibly clean geometric designs for a dazzling and decorative effect. 

 

“In a literal sense, the title TOOTH & NAIL is about the mammals and birds represented respectively. Figuratively, it feels like we are fighting ‘tooth and nail’ to keep going right now…Deciding to change careers from illustrator to full-time independent artist was terrifying, but it is one of the best moves I have ever made, professionally and personally. I want viewers to enjoy looking at my pieces, to feel a mix of tranquility and excitement, and maybe think about the animals depicted more than they already do.” 

 

Maryann Held attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She worked as an in-house children’s book illustrator for many years before transitioning to her personal practice full-time. Held has shown with Arch Enemy Arts since submitting to our 2020 Spotlight Showcase, and her work has appeared in group and solo exhibitions every year since. TOOTH & NAIL is Held’s fifth solo feature with the gallery. 

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TOOTH & NAIL will be on view from January 18th - February 16th, 2025
Sold works will begin to ship the week starting February 23rd, unless other rush shipping arrangements have been made. Items marked with a red dot have already been sold.

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