October 3–November 8, 2026
Hundreds of painted cones make up what Hurwitz refers to as an “army”. His Soldiers In The Army Of John Frum was first inspired by the Cargo Cults of Melanesia and their reverence for John Frum, an American soldier whose return will bring abundance and wealth. Energetic sculptural paintings add further dimension to the colorful show.
I call this show You Can’t Get There From Here. It’s been used in other contexts, but in this instance, it expresses an artist’s searching for a place that, by its nature, can never be reached.
My art has been less about intention and more about discovery and momentum. By this I mean an exploration of intuitive imagery coupled with an inherent dissatisfaction with stasis. To one extent, my paintings are an agreement between intention, materials, and serendipity.
Is “Soldiers” channeling my inner preschooler? Is it a residual challenge to a ghost teacher’s displeasure with a child who couldn’t paint within the lines? Maybe I’m letting go after years of controlled and logically structured painted constructions. No matter, this is a lot of fun.
Artist Bio
Hurwitz has been showing his work at Gallery Route One since 2016. He began his formal studies in the early ‘70s at the San Francisco Art Institute. He translated his love of color and form into the founding of OTTO, a women’s clothing company headquartered in Petaluma and manufactured in the Bay Area. His life has been one of continual reinvention. Making art is now his principal occupation. His studio is where he wants to be.
About the Work
The primary exhibit, Soldiers In The Army of John Frum, consists of hundreds of brightly painted cones. “Soldiers” was first executed in 1978 for a show at SFAI. Abandoned and since rediscovered, I have resurrected it and refreshed it with, in many cases, fresh coats of paint. This is only the second time it’s been shown.