SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Scottsdale Public Art’s newest exhibition, “Superdelic Psychonatural,” running April 10 through July 15, 2025, at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, features collaborating artists Lex Gjurasic and Ners Neonlumberjack as they express their reverence and joy for nature through intensely hued paintings and sculptures.
The concept for this exhibition originated when Gjurasic and Wendy Raisanen, curator of collections and exhibitions for Scottsdale Public Art, a department of the nonprofit Scottsdale Arts, were curating the “COLORLOVE” exhibition in 2023 and Neonlumberjack submitted his artwork.
“We both totally fell in love with all of his work,” Raisanen said. “We looked into more of his art, and, eventually, I just thought, ‘Let's put these two together.’ Both of their work is inspired by nature and they both use nature as a basis for self-healing in a world of turmoil.”
Gjurasic and Neonlumberjack found kinship in each other as artists because their artwork includes similar themes, such as mortality contrasted with lively colors and abstracted imagery of flora and fauna. The artwork on view will be composed of natural materials, such as sticks, stones, bones, feathers and botanicals.
For this exhibition, Neonlumberjack created his artwork in various locations throughout the United States after he spent some time in Europe contemplating what it means to be American.
“From the abhorrent parts of our history, the vastness of the land, wildlife that we have and have lost, from Death Valley, throughout the Southwest, to my home state of Indiana and back again, the work came to fruition,” Neonlumberjack said. “As is a constant thread for inspiration in my works, the juxtaposition of alluring colors and images of death are throughout. Guillotines, ghosts and gravestones abound.”
Alongside Gjurasic’s and Neonlumberjack’s artwork, this exhibition features four augmented reality (AR) pieces, two by each artist. This is the first time either artist has created works with AR. Raisanen is grateful to give Gjurasic and Neonlumberjack the opportunity to learn how to use AR and create artwork in a new medium, which is accessible to visitors via the Hoverlay app.
“It kind of blows my mind, but we were able to work with Hoverlay to create augmented reality elements,” Gjurasic said. “Due to physical restrictions of the gallery space and our intention to go for a maximalist vibe for this exhibition, we were limited in a few ways. Through the use of AR, we were able to surpass these limitations and create some really cool ways to interact with the art. Everyone is going to freak out!”
Another way Gjurasic was able to surpass the limitations of the gallery is by hanging a 10-foot-by-4-foot artwork above the exhibition. The artwork, titled “End of Summer (Flower Curtain),” is a silk painting that will be shown for the very first time as it’s suspended from the library rafters, becoming a centerpiece for everyone in the library to see.
Raisanen is excited to see the artwork of Gjurasic and Neonlumberjack come together for the first time since “COLORLOVE.”
“Both of these artists are really unique and have different kinds of personalities, but they're very similar in a different way,” Raisanen said. “I'm excited for the show because it's going to be full of color, a sort of crazy celebration of nature and a psychedelic celebration of art.”
“Superdelic Psychonatural” will run from April 10 through July 15 at the Civic Center Public Gallery, located inside Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3948 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251. In addition to the exhibition itself, there will be an opening reception to meet the artists from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on April 11, 2025, at the Civic Center Public Gallery.
Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation has also organized two creative workshops in association with this exhibition. On Friday, April 11 from noon to 1:30 p.m., Neonlumberjack will lead “Vibrating Abstracts” in the library, inspired by his artwork. On Tuesday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m., guests can join Gjurasic for a fun workshop to create three-dimensional flowers using crafting materials to explore humanity’s relationships with nature. The workshops are free, but RSVP is required. They will be presented at Scottsdale Civic Center Library.
Learn more about the exhibition at ScottsdalePublicArt.org/exhibitions and get details on the workshops and reception at ScottsdalePublicArt.org/events.
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SCOTTSDALE ARTS — SCOTTSDALE PUBLIC ART
Scottsdale Arts is a regionally and nationally significant, multidisciplinary arts organization, offering an exceptional variety of programs through its six departments: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), Scottsdale Public Art, Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation, Canal Convergence and Civic Center LIVE. Scottsdale Arts creates diverse, inspired arts experiences and outreach opportunities for the community while fostering active engagement with the arts among individuals, businesses, educational institutions and government agencies. The mission of Scottsdale Public Art is to serve as a leader in defining art in the public realm through creative place-making, signature cultural events, exhibitions and installations — contributing to the community’s creative, cultural and economic vitality. Established in 1985, Scottsdale Public Art enhances the quality of life for its residents and visitors through more than 150 permanent and temporary public artworks throughout the community.
MEDIA: For interviews, additional information, or photo, please contact:
Sydney Ritter
Senior Communications Specialist
Scottsdale Arts
Email: SydneyR@ScottsdaleArts.org
Phone: 480-874-4663
