I wish that I had known about the current show at Jenkins Johnson Gallery when I was in Chelsea a few weeks ago. Full Fathom Five seems like a very well edited and curated exhibit of abstract works that appear to all be unplanned works. It seems to me that all of the artist work in ways were their medium or their minds pull the work towards whatever end it becomes. Meaning they do not start with an overly specific plan or vision. This is especially of interest to me as I am working on an article about embroiderers that work this way.
The exhibit showcases artists working in many mediums including the gorgeous embroideries of Takashi Iwasaki. You might recognize the works of Takashi as he has been exhibited and published a lot lately which is no surprise as his work is a colorful, fantastic world of organic shapes and constructions. I exhibited with him a few years ago myself.
His work is actually in concept very similar to a painter friend of mine. Recording his daily life with symbols and shapes. To us the result is an abstract work but to him a very personal journal.
His recent statement says:
Most of my recent works (after 2009) are either visual recording of my daily life or visualization of my imaginary worlds or landscapes that no one would see unless otherwise depicted; whereas my earlier works have been mostly focused on their formal qualities.
Those recent works may appear to be abstract on the surface, however, most shapes and colors have meanings and origins that are very significant to me in the way I feel them, therefore they are very representational and are reflection of my state of mind.
Things that I feel are never the same in the next moment because I keep changing. Capturing moments and sharing my visions with others have been my recent obsession and pleasure.
I am kicking myself that I missed the opportunity to see the work in person. But if you are in the city you have until the 23rd.
I also think the work of Nina Bovasso seems quite interesting...
and the work of Mairin Hartt quite beautiful.
Unfortunately the link to the press release is not working as I would love to have learned more about the curators vision for the show. But you can see all the work images and installation shots here.
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4 comments:
thanks for sharing this one. I didn't know about it and I'd like to see it in person. hope you're settling in is going ok.
glad that you can see it. I wish I could!
I'm excited to read your article on artists who work in an unplanned mode. This has been my favorite approach to working back when I was a painter and now as well. I love the time embroidery allows to really bask in a stitch or really soak into an idea while working - the suspension of decision making is pure joy for me. And when it is time to make a decision, I feel I can enjoy it that much more when it is spontaneous, unplanned and always synchronicity in action.
Can't wait to read it Joetta!
I am also looking forward to it but also nervous about it as I do not normally write in a very formal way. But it is fun to investigate these thoughts and all the artists:)
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