Coming Exhibition: Andrea Rubin Kichaven, Suki Kuss, Joe Pinkelman

May 21 - June 15, 2013
 

Featuring:

Andrea Rubin Kichaven, Suki Kuss, and Joe Pinkelman

Opening Reception:

Saturday, May 25, 2013, 5-8 p.m.

Artist Talk:

Saturday, June 8, 2013, 3-4 p.m.

Textured Terrain, Andrea Rubin Kichaven

Andrea Rubin Kichaven, La Vida Pasa, Mixed Media, 36 x 36 in., 2013

In her current exhibition, Andrea Rubin Kichaven juxtaposes representational animals within fanciful terrains. Layering color through a variety of techniques, Kichaven incorporates tactile patterns created by found materials such as lace, stencils and templates, mark-making, collage, and acrylics to develop colorfully textured landscapes. “What makes me passionate about each piece on which I work are the immediacy of my personal feelings, the colors, and the textures,” says Kichaven. “In the process of experimentation and unknown possibilities, one image generates another.” Whimsical animal environments are borne out of layer upon layer of color and texture application and removal (addition and subtraction), simultaneously building upon and revealing the visual history of the work beneath.

Haunted Heart, Suki Kuss

Suki Kuss, Sanctuary I (detail), Mixed Media Collage, 36 x 24 in., 2012

The loss of a beloved family member is both shattering and illuminating. In Suki Kuss' new exhibition, Haunted Heart, she explores these emotions, navigating through the aftermath of the suicide of her niece. Kuss’ recent work reflects the darkness and the light that she has worked through in the past year. Incorporating paint with mixed media materials of vintage fabrics, lace, maps, threads, patterns and mirrors on canvas, Kuss’ highly textured work takes viewers through an abstract narrative. “My finished pieces are delicate and intimate,” says Kuss. “They call out to be closely scrutinized.” Layers of details beckon the viewer closer to examine the elegant subtleties within Kuss’ use of abstract line and shape that convey an ongoing search for balance and peace.     

New Work: The Heaven and Hell Series, Joe Pinkelman

Joe Pinkelman, Heaven and Hell #2, Porcelain, 23 x 15 x 15 in., 2012

In his current show, artist Joe Pinkelman continues his exploration of abstract pottery. Using a technique he first developed in Jingdezhen, China, Pinkelman incorporates decals, high-fired porcelain, as well as thrown and press molded forms to create his designs. Fusing modern, often fragmented shapes with ancient Chinese pottery techniques, Pinkelman creates expressive contemporary allegories. “I am interested in imbalance and instability contrasted with beauty and ugliness,” says Pinkelman. The contrasting motifs of life and death, heaven and earth, light and dark pervade Pinkelman’s work as delicate ceramic pottery is placed precariously on pedestals.