Local artist breaks 10-year hiatus with ‘Barfing Rainbows’

By Mark Adams

Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011 | 5:33 p.m.

Brent Holmes hasn’t produced a piece of fine art in a decade ... until now. The graphic designer recently unleashed his creativity to produce a series of works that will grace the walls of Blackbird Studios, instead of his usual show space—the pages of Weekly sister-pub Las Vegas Magazine.

As for the name of his 25ish-piece exhibit, Barfing Rainbows, well, we’ll leave that explanation to Holmes. “The idea is that engaging in a creative act is difficult—sometimes painful and unpleasant,” Holmes says. “But you feel so much better after its done, kind of like throwing up.”

The paintings are exclusively Holmes’, though the show also includes collaborative pieces (sculpture and digital works) with LVM photographer Christopher DeVargas and local artist Jesse Smigel. Holmes describes the works in Rainbows as having a “surrealistic bent with a moderately facetious, uplifting philosophy behind them.”

Holmes also invites attendees to enjoy complimentary tea from Iron Kettle Teas and live music by The Seriouslys and World Record at his First Friday opening. Cupcakes and wine will also be served. Please try to keep them down.