9/9/2004
John Copeland
31Grand, New York
A solo exhibition titled 'Moonshiner', taking its title from Bob Dylan's version of the plaintive folk song of the same name. Using alcohol and bottles as the central metaphor, Copeland uses a variety of mediums from painting, sculpture to drawing building a semi-autobiographical installation exploring the tension between proximity and loneliness.
'moonshiner'
31GRAND is proud to present John Copeland's solo exhibition 'Moonshiner', taking its title from Bob Dylan's version of the plaintive folk song of the same name. Using alcohol and bottles as the central metaphor, Copeland uses a variety of mediums from painting, sculpture to drawing building a semi-autobiographical installation exploring the tension between proximity and loneliness. His depictions of windows, bottles, winter trees without leaves, discarded objects, still lives of neighborhood fragments, and figures sleeping in public places show the vulnerability and beauty of what he sees in his environment and in himself.
Along with the exhibition will be the release of the limited edition catalog, 'moonshiner', a collection from Copeland's illustrated journals. His drawn narrative continues his documentation of observations, emotions and encounters of daily life. As Margaret Clinton writes in the forward:
'The surface of a painting can be as misleading as the surface of a tree. What you see in front of you seems resolute; but look closer, search the crevices, peel away a layer and you will start to uncover a chronicle of seasons. John Copeland's journals record passages that begin outside and continue within.
Each book bares its own title, but taken together, the multiple volumes constitute the main source of his paintings, prints, and installations. Part diary, part survey, and part something else, each page maps a voyage through physical and psychological terrains.'
Opening: September 10, 7-10pm
Gallery hours: Friday – Monday 1-7pm and by appointment
Image: John Copeland, Window Pains, 2004, 65 x 141", mixed media
For more information about the artist please contact us at 718.388.2858
Directions: Subway -L Train to Bedford Ave. walk south on Bedford Ave. to Grand St. Right on Grand St. to Kent Ave. Car -Drive over the Williamsburg Bridge. First exit. Right on Broadway. Right on Kent Ave. to Grand St.
31GRAND
31 Grand St.
Brooklyn, NY 11211