Sunday, May 30, 2010

CHRISTOPHER BROWN

I first came across the paintings of Christopher Brown in the book 10 + 10, which was published in conjuction with the exhibit of the same name in the late 80's or early 90's. The show featured the art of ten american artists juxtaposed with that of ten Russian artists. Eventually, I had the opportunity to see Brown's work at a major museum and I've kept track of his output ever since. The video featured here offers some valuable insight into his thought process and working methodology.

..

More work by Christopher Brown can be seen at John Berggruen Gallery.

Friday, May 14, 2010

JOHN BECKELMAN AND DANIEL WEISS AT ICON GALLERY

Daniel Weiss, Solid Object, 2003; wood, paint, and nails, 34 3/8" x 15 3/8" x 1 1/2"
.
.
.
Detail of Solid Object.
.
.
.
Materiality is in full force at ICON Gallery. While walking through this show, I had the feeling that no matter what these two artists use to make their work, it will always result in something that's informed and worth seeing. John Beckelman has taught for 30 years at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Daniel Weiss has taught art in the Des Moines area since 1987. Shown here are just a few of the works, but also on view are large ceramic vessels and works on paper by Beckelman, and more collage-like pieces by Weiss with a great rough-hewn quality about them.
.
.
.
Daniel Weiss, Cloud Writing, 2007; wood, paint, cardboard box, and nails, 14" x 10" x 2 1/2"
.
.

.
Detail of Cloud Writing.
.
.
.
Detail of Cloud Writing.
.
.
.
Daniel Weiss, After Mesa (Barbancito), 2001; wood, paint, nails, and tar paper, 23 1/4" x 7 1/4" x 1 1/4"
.
.

.
.

John Beckelman, Rich with Birds and Fruit; clay, enamel, gesso, oil, acrylic, powdered pigments, and prismacolor on wood, 41.5" x 63" x 2"
.
.
.
Details of Rich with Birds and Fruit.
.

.
.

John Beckelman, Resonance; clay, enamel, oil, wax, and powdered pigments on wood, 41.5" x 67" x 2"
.
.
.
Detail of Resonance. .
.
.
.
More work by John Beckelman and Daniel Weiss can be seen at ICON Gallery (Iowa Contemporary Art) at 58 North Main Street in Fairfield, Iowa. Also on the web at: icon-art.org.