Art, Americana and Absurdity Collide in Tyrell Winston’s ‘A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing’

Summary

• Tyrrell Winston’s A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing explores a “Future Nostalgia” concept
• The exhibition features ten layered text-based works, blending Americana motifs and cultural critique
• Hosted by Stems Gallery, it runs until June 22, 2025

Tyrrell Winston has presented his latest exhibition, A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, at Stems Gallery. The exhibition explores a concept he terms “Future Nostalgia” — a future not yet realized, viewed through the lens of past and present.

Rooted in Detroit’s industrial legacy, automotive history and Motown music, the collection embodies the artist’s home city’s material and cultural imprint. Winston’s approach resonates with Mark Fisher’s hauntology, where artistic innovation often cycles back to the past, reinforcing the concept that alternative visions of the future remain elusive. Through this lens, his works serve as a commentary on the repetition of historical narratives, questioning whether true artistic newness is possible.

The exhibition features ten new works, all constructed from materials collected in Detroit, reflecting Winston’s deep connection to his environment. These pieces serve as a re-narration of the every day and the absurd, forging unexplored parallels within Americana. The new body of work draws inspiration from artist Christopher Wool’s paintings, particularly his screen-printed aluminum enamel works like “If You (1992-2005). Wool’s use of stenciled truths and critiques of capitalism serves as a stark reminder of society’s absurdities — a sensibility that clearly influences Winston’s own artistic output in this collection.

These paintings also display a sensibility reminiscent of Jenny Holzer‘s block letters and semantics, rendered in primary reds, greens and yellows, alongside ebony black. Works like “Shotgun (Black and Green)”, “Home Run (Navy and Red)” and “Drop Kick (Green and Yellow)” directly reference recognizable sports slogans, with the overlapping words creating a complex web of meaning.

A Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing by Tyrrell Winston is currently on view at Stems Gallery and will remain on view until June 22, 2025.

Stems Gallery
Rue du Prince Albert 4
1050 Ixelles
Belgium