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"I AM A BARN"

A Solo Exhibition by Don Hershman

“We all weather storms in our lives, but it is how we emerge from them—weathered yet wiser, scarred but deeper and more powerful.”

— Don Hershman

Collection Mission & Vision

“I AM A BARN” is a profound exploration of life’s journey through the symbolic lens of aging barns, houses, and shacks.

Comprised of 22 new works meticulously painted on raw wood panels, this collection invites viewers to embark on a reflective journey through the artist’s own experiences of resilience, creativity, and wisdom. It serves as an intimate visual archive of the human spirit—proving that every crack, weathered plank, and architectural relic echoes a lifetime of overcoming adversity and finding inherent beauty in life’s trials.

Thematic Framework

The collection employs rustic, decaying structures as direct metaphors for the twists, turns, and emotional milestones of the human condition. Every brushstroke captures the tension between physical decay and spiritual transformation.

By executing these pieces entirely on wood panels, Hershman establishes a structural dialogue between the physical medium and the architectural subjects, emphasizing the concept of endurance through foundational strength.

The collection benefits from Hershman’s unique perspective as an accomplished podiatric surgeon and fine art painter. His extensive training in mastering the intricate spatial relationships of anatomical structures lends a distinct, disciplined command of line and form to his architectural silhouettes.

Following the critical acclaim of his 2023 New York City show, THE ART OF CODE SWITCHING, this collection marks Hershman’s highly anticipated, first-ever San Francisco solo exhibition, anchored at Radian Gallery.

Narrative, Value & Provenance

This series goes far beyond traditional landscape painting—it is an exploration of autobiographical resilience. Hershman channels profound personal triumphs over adversity, including surviving the frontlines of two global pandemics as a physician, navigating immense medical school debt, and enduring the devastating losses of his mother and his first partner of 17 years.

The work challenges viewers to reflect on their own personal encounters with adversity, offering an emotionally charged narrative that makes the collection deeply relatable and highly collectible.

Collectors are investing in an artist with a rapidly rising market profile and a proven track record of institutional validation. Hershman’s exhibition history includes:

Spatial & Emotional Impact

As demonstrated in the exhibition previews, the artwork utilizes a striking juxtaposition of vibrant, saturated color fields against the stark, graphic silhouettes of isolated structures. This high-contrast clarity creates an immediate focal point, commanding an imposing visual presence across large gallery spaces.

The uniform use of 22 wood panels offers a structured, cohesive layout that anchors an interior environment, turning a gallery space into a sacred, contemplative sanctuary.

The collection beautifully balances a quiet, melancholic solitude with an overriding sense of survival and triumph. It transforms a space into an immersive emotional landscape where viewers are encouraged to linger, ponder, and connect with the transformative power of perseverance.