Re-Examining Abstract Art, Part 1
April 15 - June 28, 2003
Seymour Boardman,Nicolas Carone,Albert Kotin, Michael Loew, William Scharf
and Peter Agostini (sculptor)
The second-generation abstract artists in this exhibition share a common ideal but approach their subjects in diverse ways, avoiding stylistic classification. Each developed a format in which to explore ideas that had a personal subtext. They are rugged individualists who face life and canvas on their own terms. In this exhibition they show their relish for change, risk, movement and innovation over the years.
Seymour Boardman states: “Since my early paintings, I usually start with a basic structure and as the work evolves, I go through a process of simplification, eliminating unnecessary elements but retaining the essence of the image.”
Nicolas Carone states: “The picture surface is two dimensional, therefore there is greater tendencies for all the planes to become frontal. As the planes begin to fluctuate from moving forward or backward, they overlap one another which leads to the expansion and contraction of spatial intervals. This tension causes the change in scale and dimension of the picture plane. This propels the imagery that derives from the unconscious mind.
Albert Kotin’s poem: The Painter- Everyday he grinds up a small piece of his umbilical cord-mixes it with oil with varnish and with turps to paint a self-portrait on a tightly stretched placenta.
Michael Loew stated: “For me, the use of the rectangle or square… may liberate the hidden and unforeseen. I have no particular “mystique” of the rectangle. I prefer it as a shape because of its suggestiveness in creating meaning on different levels in painting, that interests me.”
William Scharf: His imagery is the product of an inner world, come to life in organic shapes, enigmatic symbols, and sweeping gestures that move throughout his com-positions in thinly painted layers of color.
Peter Agostini: He is one of the first sculptors to create a large body of work in plaster creating evocative and lyrical sculptures defined by light, line and movement. The plaster cast reveals in a moment all that is true and real for him and is the only material that is quick enough to force him to be himself and to record it instantly.
In our cyber and dot.com world - these abstract artists direct and personal ways of communicating stands up very well.
These people are artists’ artists.
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