Press Release Archive
PAINTING 2008
PRESS RELEASE - Painting 2008
Gallery Project
215 South Fourth Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
www.thegalleryproject.com
734-997-7012
Gallery Project presents Painting 2008, a group exhibit showcasing state, regional and national artists representing a rich variety of painting styles. The exhibit, curated by Wayne State University professor of painting, Adrian Hatfield, opens at noon on Wednesday, May 14 and continues through 4pm on Sunday, June, 22, 2008. The opening reception is Friday, May 16, 6-9.
Contemporary painting in America is blossoming as indicated by recent major painting exhibits at art museums in New York and LA, and the host of new painters represented by major galleries around the country. After modern painting was nearly declared “dead” by leading minimalists and art critics of the mid and late 20th century, who winnowed down painting to its surface qualities and the dimensions of a canvas, a new generation of artists has taken hold of painting redefining it for their own purposes. The result is a burst of new work highly eclectic in its approach.
Contemporary painting is unabashed about borrowing, using and referencing work and materials, whether it involves referencing elements from a classical painting for design or integrating found objects. Some streams of painting have adopted the punch of graphic design used in commercial advertising. Other streams emphasize strong personal visions and narratives. These artists key on events happening in the broader culture or in their personal lives and create powerful imagery around them.
Contemporary artists also paint on a variety of surfaces from Mylar to dry wall. Color can come from the grain of a wooden surface, spray and house paint, natural dyes, even substances that stain surfaces such as dyes and motor oil. Paint is also applied in a variety of ways besides conventional brushes. It is dripped out of cans, sprayed, squeezed out of tubes, printed from pallets, and scraped on. Subject matter is anything the artist feels passionate about. This gives contemporary painting significant content, whether it comes from external events or something deep inside. Finally, contemporary art is becoming more integrated with other arts such as drawing, photography, sculpture, installation and video. Where it will end up is anyone’s guess. But for this exhibit, you’re welcome to see for yourself and draw your own conclusions.
Gallery Project is a fine art collaborative. Its mission is to provide a venue for contemporary art that is culturally aware, individualistic, courageous, and thought provoking. Gallery Project is located at 215 South Fourth Avenue in Ann Arbor. Gallery hours are: Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 6; Friday and Saturday, noon to 9; and Sunday, noon to 4. The gallery is closed on Mondays. For more information, call 734-997-7012 or visit the website at thegalleryproject.com.