SILVERMAN - JOHN PENCE - WOLFE CONTEMPORARY

GALLERY 16 - ELECTRIC WORKS - AMPERSAND

09.09.11

(with assistance from Anneliese Vobis, Clare Coppel and RWM)



Common artist questions answered, part II. Click Here.

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Silverman Gallery: Yuval Pudik - Some of My Equals.

Review by Clare Coppel: Very detailed and dense drawings of negative space and sharks teeth with quotes from the Internet by men seeking sexual partners. Thoughtfully, the show is titled "Some of My Equals." Also a paper doll otter.

Comment by AB: Yuval Pudik tells me his finely rendered drawings of sharks teeth symbolize the violent and aggressive nature of men. "Sharks are always associated with males," he tells me. "never females." True enough. It's all good here, but the small teeth drawings are especially exquisite; add one to your collection now. Or stop on by just to respect 'em.

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John Pence Gallery: Landscapes.

Artists: John F. Carlson, Donald Demers, Donald Jurney, Dean Larson, Robert Maione, Joseph McGurl, Clark Mitchell, Jon Morra, Travis Schlaht, Randall Sexton, Tony Curanaj, Nicholas Hiltner, Thomas Kegler, Steven J. Levin, Jeremy Mann, Edward Minoff, Dorothy Morgan, John Osborne, Stock Schlueter, Bennett Vadnais.

Review by RWM: Amazing collection of landscapes showcases our fascination with the wild and sometimes altered environments. Beautiful valleys, seashores, lakes and mountains give one reason to pause in the ambient sunlight, or to linger and watch the sunset. Interesting to see the range of approaches and styles presented. The large number of works on display makes for an evocative show which will transport you to the country and sometimes the wild. The gallery's lighting highlights these windows into Nature.

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Mark Wolfe Contemporary Art: Jacob Tillman - By Extension.

Comment by AB: Jacob Tillman presents a conspicuously curious reality, sometimes abstract or geometric in form, other times more in a representational vein. They're smaller works, mainly drawings, but include several paintings as well. In the center of the floor stands a headless Harlequin, it's fashionable surface applied entirely by the artist.

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Gallery 16: Rex Ray - New Work.

Comment by AB: If only reality was more like Rex Ray's art, what a celebration life would be. For an exhilarating uplifting experience, check these out. I like 'em-- always have, always will.

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Electric Works Gallery: Vertical Hold - Iva Gueorguieva and Julie Weitz.

Review by RWM: Julie Weitz portrays nudes, skin and flesh like you have never seen them before. Not quite startling, but surprising and innovative nonetheless.

Comment by AB: Julie Weitz parses the human form in her stark incisive analyses of how we see ourselves and others. Iva Gueorguieva's mixed media works brim with anarchic activity, although order ultimately prevails.

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Ampersand International Arts: Three Forms - Jeff Jamieson, Sol LeWitt, Evelyn Reyes. Curated by Patricia Maloney.

Review by Anneliese Vobis: Upon entering the gallery viewers come upon the bold oil pastel drawings of Evelyn Reyes. Her work is characterized by symbolic, minimalistic imagery. Jeff Jamieson presents small-scale folded plywood strip sculptures painted in beautiful shades. The silkscreens of Sol LeWitt seem to reflect hidden messages throughout their strong geometrical rhythmic patterns.

Review by RWM: Interesting contrasts between statements about art and the the intracacies of printing. Though small, Jeff Jamieson's wall structures say something in changes of shape and color. In contrast are Sol LeWitt's woven patterns which create textures that can only be understood through close observation. The show leaves one fascinated by the implications of these approaches to capturing beauty.

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