Ellwood T. Risk ǀ Trigger Warning

Trigger Warning, Ellwood T. Risk's first gallery show since 2016, invites viewers to interrogate their reactions to the works presented. On view at solo. Located at 366 w 7th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731 from February 8, 2025 - April 12, 2025. Opening Reception: Saturday, February 8th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The gallery will be open Saturday and Sunday afternoons or by appointment. For more info contact the gallery at info@solosanpedro.com or call/text 310.913.5492.

Much of Risk’s creative output has integrated shooting targets. Risk said he finds the “immediately recognizable object utterly compelling.” He began working with pistol targets in 2002, and this powerful imagery has been a source of inspiration for him ever since. Risk reveals that he finds these “true paper tigers” to be menacing objects, fascinating and repulsive at once.

“We are, all of us, targets. No human living in the ‘developed’ world is exempt from the influence of these fixed cultural elements, forever locked in competition as they seek dominion over our lives, our pocketbooks, and our souls.” - Ellwood T. Risk

While Risk acknowledges the easily mistaken logic that he could be seen as a second amendment enthusiast, he claims his “staunch” support of common sense gun regulation. He views his work as a socio-political commentary on contemporary life in America. Importantly, while stating he enjoys owning and shooting firearms, Risk enumerates his beliefs on arms reform.

Much of his work, Risk says, speaks to the hyper-masculine, toxic male-female relationships. Risk states the evolution in his work encompasses a deeper and different understanding of his work over the years, wherein he has become more political but his art has not.

The gallery will be open Saturday and Sunday afternoons or by appointment. For more info contact the gallery at info@solosanpedro.com or call/text 310.913.5492