Eleanor Harwood Gallery is pleased to present Binding Spell, curated by Hunter Saxony III. This is the sixth exhibition in our back gallery program, where we invite the main gallery artist to curate a show in our second space. Binding Spell runs alongside Hunter Saxony III’s solo exhibition, Axis for Compassion, on view from September 6 to October 18, 2025. Please join us for the opening reception for both exhibitions on Saturday, September 6, from 5-7 pm.
Binding Spell invites viewers to explore the expansive artistic practices of diverse tattoo artists from across the country, transcending the confines of conventional tattoo narratives. Each featured artist is confidently positioned within the discourse of contemporary art, with their independent studio practices complementing their occupational oeuvre. While at its most fundamental, this exhibition presents a collection of artworks by individuals who also practice tattooing, the interweaving of these creative spheres constitutes a profound declaration of their multifaceted artistic identities and dynamic studio methodologies.
“Binding Spell” endeavors to challenge established perceptions of what a “tattoo artist” produces, thereby revealing a broad spectrum of artistic voices. These voices are simultaneously rooted in their unique lived experiences and boldly contribute to the evolving boundaries of contemporary artistic expression.
Curator/Artist Bio
A Rhode Island-born, San Francisco-based Ornamental Calligrapher, Hunter Saxony III investigates love and loss, mortality, preservation, and the discovery of self. His work is presented with a signature palette of red and black brush strokes paired with a confident mark-making identity. His lifelong penchant for written words can also be seen in a minimalist version of storytelling that invites the viewer to consider just as much as it asks for understanding. Saxony employs shape, form, and text to present a delicate and sometimes visceral look into the human condition.
His works have been collected by The Letterform Archive and the Richard Harrison Collection of Calligraphy & Lettering at the San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco, CA
About Eleanor Harwood Gallery
Eleanor Harwood Gallery opened September 2006 in the Mission District and is now located in San Francisco’s premier gallery complex, the Minnesota Street Project. The gallery specializes in work with complex craft and concept, exhibiting painting, drawing, sculpture, textiles and photography by emerging to mid-career artists. The roster includes artists that are represented in major American, European and Asian collections. The gallery actively promotes and encourages career growth for represented artists.
Check gallery website for hours and additional info
