Issue No. 28 – Control

What is the nature of control? The desire for it—and to be free of it—are essential parts of both life and art.

Come in from the Cold at Kim Foster Gallery

Image above: ©Ashley Comer

 

Kim Foster Gallery is pleased to present “Come In From The Cold,” works by gallery artists. The selection of works for this exhibition was inspired by the song and lyrics by Joni Mitchell.

We really thought we had a purpose We were so anxious to achieve We had hope The world held promise…

Come in Come in from the cold (we were so sure) Oh come in Come in from the cold…

Kim Foster Gallery

Image above: ©Ashley Comer

 

Moon Beom’s paintings conjure a mystical world of mountains, cliffs, rivers, and forests that materialize from complex abstractions. To achieve this effect, he applies oil stick on a monochrome surface, using his hands. He calls this series “possible worlds.” This world could be anywhere between welcoming and treacherous.

Jay Fine’s contextual views consist of New York City as his subject. He has an uncanny eye akin to Weegee of being at the right place at the right time. The works selected cover the vagaries of the weather, a sense of wonder and despair.

Shigeru Oyatani’s work combines elements of abstraction and representation, pattern and grid, surface and illusion. Upon further inspection, several layers begin to emerge, creating an almost hyper real space where the transition between dreams and reality crisscrosses brilliantly into an altogether unexpected state of awareness, a fantastic lucid dream.

Blanche Nettles Powers’ recent work was inspired by a quote by P.D. Ouspensky: “There is something in us that keeps us where we find ourselves.” The work is diaphanous, but not beautiful. The surface appears to be an even translucent layer, but in reality is comprised of hundreds of different sized strokes and markings. Beneath the imperfect surface lies a murky darker space.

E.E. Smith’s unique oil prints are stark, graphic and stylistically ambiguous. The imagery is precise and clearly points to an inevitable end. The element of chance is a factor in the work. Who knows how the cards will fall or if the dominoes will have their desired effect?

Jim Toia’s process lures you into a world that is seamlessly flowing and alive, but in reality are mushroom spores lying dormant on prepared paper. It is a struggle with nature that often leads to failure. In an uncanny way, the beauty of the drawings becomes almost menacing, akin to tentacles that grab you from the page.

Susan Wides manipulates reality through her camera lens. Certain objects and details loom into consciousness with sharpened clarity, as others fade and dissolve into near abstraction, a play between the material world and the subjective one.

Come in from the Cold will be on view at Kim Foster Gallery until February 27, 2016 at 529 W 20th st, New York, NY

GRETE STERN the dreamcatcher

Embrace of the Serpent (2015), Directed by Ciro Guerra

Embrace of the Serpent (2015), Directed by Ciro Guerra