Are we unwitting prisoners of our own devices? Artist John Slaby’s new show ADAM and EVE and the iPHONE opening September 7 – October 3 at Archway Gallery is an eclectic collection of paintings created over the last three years addressing the effects of the ubiquitous smartphone, as well as reimagining cultural myths in contemporary environs. In a piece entitled, Phone Prison, Slaby is trapped behind a screen peering out from behind apps labeled with emotions like anger, greed, nightmares…reinforcing the addictive nature and sense of captivity perpetuated by a device that both isolates and connects humanity. There are also one hundred hand-built small phone paintings displaying all aspects of human experience. Slaby’s largest body of work created to-date also includes The Serpent, depicting contemporary temptations and their consequences; Adam trans Eve, addressing issues of gender; and more. The operning reception is September 7 from 5 – 8 with the artist talk at 6:30 p.m. Half of the proceeds from the show will benefit mental health organizations in Houston…so please put down the phone and pay attention.