One of the sleepers of the summer just may be "Somatic" at Ille Arts. Continuing only through this weekend, the exhibition presents a range of Industrial Abstraction art curated by artist and writer George Negroponte.
On view are sculpture by Matthew Bliss and Bryan Hunt and paintings by James Angell, James Grego, Ilse Murdock, Joni Wehrli, E.L. Brown and Lucy Winton. Sculpture and painting are equally strong and provide a symphonic presentation of contemporary abstract art.
Not being acquainted with Matthew Bliss's work, I was captivated by series of small-scale sculptures presented in two lines in the side gallery. An artist statement on NeoImages.net puts his aim simply: "I make small things of unknowable value."
The works have grit with interesting edges and surfaces. Texture and dimension appear paramount. Narrative and abstract, the intimate sculptures almost have a stage set feel with the larger "backdrop" surface alternating between focal point and visual assist to moving the eye toward the drama unfolding directly in front. After experiencing the art, the titles add an unexpected twist.
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"She knows the storms by name" by Matthew Bliss, 2014. Brass, copper, solder, oil paint, sanded window glass.
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"When you talk about bleeding and I have no idea what to say" by Matthew Bliss, 2014. Brass, copper, solder, oil paint, sanded window glass.
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New paintings by James Angell were difficult look away from. Some of the geometric abstract works had the appearance of spun thread but were made up entirely of paint. Angell described his process in an Artist Statement as beginning with a specific image but the abstract works are realized through the process of painting:
"...In reality however, it is only after relinquishing my precept that the true process of painting is set into motion. It is then that the work starts to come to life and demands my full attention. Seemingly, it begins to accept and reject colors, lines and forms of its own volition."
Geometric abstraction paintings with definable forms were exhibited by E.L. Brown. Narrative and colorful, the paintings frequently juxtapose black fields with forms drenched in bright colors.
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"City Frame" by E.L. Brown, 2012 - 2014. Oil on canvas, 8 x 10 inches.
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"Flop" by E.L. Brown, 2012 - 2013. Oil on canvas, 20 x 16 inches.
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Paintings by Ilse Murdock frequently use nature as their starting point. She aims to imbue her landscape-related painting with sensation that relays the intimate and personal way of experience nature, she wrote in an Artist Statement. The "Somatic" exhibition included her paintings, although she also works with repurposed items to create art that reveals what's not typically seen, she wrote.
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"If" by Ilse Murdock, 2012. Acrylic on found frame, 8.5 x 6.5 inches. Courtesy of Tibor de Nagy Gallery.
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"Iced Tea" by Ilse Murdock, 2012. Oil on canvas, 8 x 10 inches. Courtesy Tibor de Nagy gallery.
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Paintings by James Greco were compelling in composition and execution. The works feature bold brushstrokes and titles that lead the way into implied worlds.
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"Rice and Quiet" by James Greco, 2014. Latex enamel on panel, framed in aluminum, 24 x 19 inches.
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"Better Do" by James Greco, 2014. Latex enamel on panel, framed in aluminum, 30 x 24 inches.
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The exhibition also includes nature-inspired sculpture and study by Bryan Hunt, oil and graphite mixed media paintings by Lucy Winton and painting by Joni Wehrli.
BASIC INFO: "Somatic" remains on view through August 19. Ille Arts is located at 236 Main Street, Amagansett, NY 11930. www.illearts.com.