This February, Distortion Society presents The Evolution of Mark Making, a solo exhibition by Kipton Hinsdale. In this collection of abstract work, we journey through the defining moments of Hinsdale’s artistic development from the streets of Brooklyn to the thick woods of Chatham, NY. Interweaving  the raw energy of graffiti alongside the meditating rhythms of nature, Hinsdale paints in a unique language of courageous strokes and energetic marks. This exhibition serves as a visual timeline, tracing Hinsdale’s evolution as an artist through the environments that shaped him.   

Raised amidst the vibrant chaos of Brooklyn and the serene expanses of upstate New York, Hinsdale has always been drawn to the tension between these contrasting worlds. Early in his career, his fascination with building and the physicality of space led him to explore wood and bronze sculpture. However, it was through experimenting with printmaking techniques like lithography and woodcut that his interest in the interplay of line and texture truly took shape. These experiments allowed him to reimagine his sculptural work in two dimensions, blending abstraction with the raw, expressive language of graffiti and laying the foundation for his distinctive artistic language. Much like the allover paintings of the abstract expressionist movement, Hinsdale’s work continuously engages the viewer’s eye with layered compositions where intention and spontaneity intersect.

Pulling from the history of the city walls and the earthy tones of the rural landscape, The Evolution of Mark Making reflects the dynamic interplay between the urban and natural worlds. It investigates the moments where chaos and control intersect, and the journey through emotional release. Working with a wide array of materials, including pastels, spray paint, acrylic, ink, wax, house paint, and charcoal, Hinsdale honors the energy contained in each media. He acts as a conductor, guiding the materials through layered movements of harmony and dissonance. Every mark—whether chaotic or serene, deliberate or spontaneous—finds its place in the intricate tapestry of his work.

Kipton Hinsdale is a Brooklyn-born and based multimedia artist. He received a B.A. in Sculpture and Printmaking from SUNY Purchase in 2009. Hinsdale’s work pays homage to the old masters of abstraction while injecting the genre with dynamic action and movement, showcasing a distinctive voice within the contemporary art scene.

EXHIBITION DETAILS 

The Evolution of Mark Making will be on view at the combined art gallery and tattoo studio Distortion Society, 155 Main Street, Beacon, NY. The gallery is in the front and is free and open to the public. There will be an opening reception on February 8, 2025 from 7-9pm and the exhibition will run through April 5, 2025.