“The Remains Confused with the Who’s Next”, Jonathan Kramka‘s new light sculpture resists the physical limitations of two dimensionality. It occupies multiple spaces and suggests complexity and mystery. Ethereal effects are achieved with the manipulation of light and seemingly ubiquitous materials. Using methods that leave room for experimentation, Kramka’s work falls between painting and sculpture and can be installed in a variety of environments. Click here to see more unique light sculpture by Jonathan Kramka.
Read MoreLeo Sewell – “Apple”
“Apple”, Leo Sewell‘s new sculpture is a fascinating mix of recycled objects skillfully joined together so that it reads as cohesive pop form. Having grown up near a dump, Leo Sewell early on appreciated the value and joy that comes from collecting other peoples discarded bits and pieces and creating a unique work of art. Composed of dozens of articles including, a cake pan, part of a bell, various straps and metal plates, if one looks closely, one will also discover small items such as a guitar pick, a tiny toy train, and a greek coin. While it takes craftsmanship and patience to create a unified whole, this artist has not lost his sense of humor: a plate from Appleton Electric Co. adorns this multimedia assemblage. Measuring 18x15x15 inches, “Apple” is appropriate for table, pedestal or floor. Click to see more found object sculpture by Leo Sewell.
Read MoreMark Mulhern – “Dog Show”
Mark Mulhern currently has an exhibition of New Work in the gallery. In addition to the paintings in his Bathers series, Mulhern has taken a special interest in dogs and their owners, focusing on Dog Shows in several of the works. The oil painting pictured above is titled Dog Show and measures 60×70 inches. This subject lends itself perfectly to Mark’s interest in showing the evolution of a painting. As Mark states, “The risks, erasures, revisions, and resolutions that go into the work are layered in its strata. The end result is the sum of this history. I want my paintings to speak to this process.” New Work is Mark Mulhern‘s seventh solo show with the Tory Folliard Gallery. See Mark Mulhern’s exhibition online here.
Read MoreT.L. Solien – “After the Bath”
“After the Bath”, a new painting with collage by T.L. Solien continues the artist’s exploration of literary and metaphorical references. In a nod to Mary Cassatt, the work depicts a seemingly ordinary scene translated in Solien’s uncanny manner. The figures in this interior setting are composed of tightly arranged bold shapes and colors. Unsettling, the work invites the viewer to ponder the complicated aspects of domestic life. Is the woman regretful of the time she takes to care for her child, or is she inspired by being a mother? Clearly, art is a part of her life, but is it taking second stage? “After the Bath” is one of two new works by T.L. Solien the gallery will be exhibiting at Art Chicago, which takes place April 29th through May 2nd.
Read MoreMark Chatterley - "Rabbit Head"
Just in time for spring in the garden! Mark Chatterley‘s ceramic sculpture “Rabbit Head” embodies his love of the female form which becomes fanciful when topped with the head of a rabbit. The graceful form is at variance with the gritty, glazed surface. As Mark Chatterley puts it, his work, “combines creation and destruction, the beautiful and the malformed, with everything in flux.” Elegantly posed, “Rabbit Head” measures 34 inches tall and is 19 inches wide. Hand built, one inch at a time, she is suitable for indoors or outdoors and will add grace and appeal to any home or yard. Mark Chatterley is currently preparing for a solo exhibition at Tory Folliard Gallery scheduled for spring of 2012, but we always have a few pieces in the gallery.
Derrick Buisch – “Yellow Monster Head”
Derrick Buisch‘s Yellow Monster Head, which measures 24×24 inches is one of the ideograms from Buisch’s abstract painting language. For the past twelve years, Derrick Buisch has focused on developing a group of visual characters which he paints singly or in combination with other symbols. Tension is expressed by the abstracted lines of the head, the off balance placement, and by the combination of the paint colors and textures. Slightly unsettling, but visually engaging, Yellow Monster Head is a modern version of a primordial phantom. Click here to see more of Derrick Buisch’s ideograms. We look forward to seeing the work Derrick will be showing in our Summer in Wisconsin exhibit which takes place July 1st through September 3rd, 2011.
Mike Noland – “Under a Cicada Moon”
The cicada in Mike Noland‘s new painting “Under a Cicada Moon” does not actually vibrate, but one can sense the energy of its tymbals under the diaphanous wings. Noland uses bold color and repetitive, tight brush strokes to suggest the power of the natural world. As Mike says, “Growing up in the area known as “Tornado Alley”, gave me a healthy love and respect for the power and beauty of nature.” Michael Noland‘s paintings inform the viewer through intense patterns, controlled composition, and wondrous colors, of mother nature’s powerful essences, whether they be beautiful or dangerous. New paintings by Mike Noland will be on view at , April 29th through May 2nd. Mike Noland is also preparing for an exhibition of his work in the gallery planned for the fall of 2012. Click here to see more paintings by Mike Noland.
Mark Horton – “City with Market”
City with Market, an oil painting on linen by Mark Horton contains both realistic and abstracted elements. This urban landscape feels familiar, yet it depicts a place that does not really exist. Horton’s compositions are made up of components from many cities that are positioned on the canvas in such a way that the viewer is drawn in. Intrigued by architectural elements, random passersby, and ubiquitous details such as street lights and fire hydrants, Horton uses color and texture to suggest a lively interaction between people and place. Mark Horton‘s urban landscapes will be on exhibit from September 10 to October 14. Please visit Mark Horton’s page on the Tory Folliard Gallery website to see more of his work.
Flora Langlois – “Fiesta Campestre”
The affection Flora Langlois feels for her native Costa Rica is evident in her new painting “Fiesta Campestre” which measures 16×20 inches. Depicting a fantasy garden party from another time outside her studio window, Langlois includes in this work a beautiful damsel, handsome bards, and creatures appropriate in a medieval bestiary. Many of the vines and plants are currently in the artist’s garden, although, she assures us, the wild animals are not. Filled with rich detail, diminutive brush strokes, and intense color, “Fiesta Campestre” is a feast for the viewer’s eyes and party for heart. Click here to see more of Flora Langlois’s work.
Dennis Nechvatal – “Silence”
Dennis Nechvatal‘s wall sculpture Silence, which measures 30 x 20 x 5, inches consists of thirty masks which are meticulously cut and formed by the artist’s hand. Hardware, specially designed and constructed by Dennis, attaches the masks to the board in an elegant and simple system. The faces seem to float out, suggesting airy dimensionality and providing opportunity for interesting shadows. This monochromatic scheme is somewhat unusual to the artist. Leaving the tin unpainted allows the artist to reveal the numerous, tiny hammer marks to the viewer, tangible proof of his using an old school method to create a timeless, contemporary piece of art. We will be showing new work by Dennis Nechvatal at Art Chicago. Click to see more of Nechvatal’s work here.