MARYANN HELD 

BLOODHOUND

solo exhibition

April 3rd - 26th, 2026

Opening Reception: First Friday, April 3rd, 2026​

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Arch Enemy Arts presents BLOODHOUND by local artist Maryann Held. Her sixth solo includes ten new paintings done in acrylic and casein, a pigment bound by milk protein historically used in cave paintings and by the ancient Egyptians. This rare medium dries to a velvety matte finish in beautiful contrast with bright pops of metallic gold gouache, and it lends to the traditional undercurrents running throughout Held’s work—from her signature folk-inspired patterns to vintage sourced frames and rich animal symbolism.

 

“For this collection, I decided to explore a theme that has been brewing in my mind for ages, a body of work centered around dogs and other canines, drawing on the deep emotional connection I and so many people have to them. I did not anticipate all of the new techniques these paintings would lead me to explore. I started working with metallic gouache for the gold accents, improving the amount of detail I can achieve, and I also began a new process for developing fur textures. This was also the first time I deliberately used real flowers like foxgloves and African flame lilies as direct references for my folk art designs. There’s an evocation of something carnal and predatory in BLOODHOUND, and I think it is the most cohesive collection I’ve created so far, both thematically and visually.” - Maryann Held

 

Maryann Held (b. 1984) is based in Lansdowne, PA and graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She built a career working as a children’s book illustrator for many years before transitioning to her personal artistic practice full-time. We began working with Held in 2020, and it is an absolute joy to watch her beautiful, highly recognizable style consistently evolve year after year.

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BLOODHOUND will be on view from April 3rd - 26th, 2026
Sold works will begin to ship the week starting May 5th, unless other rush shipping arrangements have been made. 

Items marked with a red dot have already been sold.

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