He creates light works that, although created technologically, are imbued with an organic, living quality. When the numerical sequences of Villareal's programming are manifested as pulsing light, the viewer is inclined to search out patterns and rhythms that are familiar and that correspond to the natural world. Villareal's Open Air, for example, plays with the thresholds of perception as it alternates between order and chaos. At times the work's slow throbbing suggests breathing, while at others its random shifting resembles a smoldering fire.
Sandra Gering Gallery is pleased to present the first one-person exhibition of
work by Leo Villareal from 22 February through 23 March 2002. The opening
reception will be Friday, February 22nd, 6-8pm
Leo Villareal creates light works that, although created technologically, are
imbued with an organic, living quality. When the numerical sequences of
Villareal's programming are manifested as pulsing light, the viewer is inclined to
search out patterns and rhythms that are familiar and that correspond to the
natural world. Villareal's Open Air, for example, plays with the thresholds of
perception as it alternates between order and chaos. At times the work's slow
throbbing suggests breathing, while at others its random shifting resembles a
smoldering fire.
The patterns in Villareal's light pieces occur on many levels - in the structure of
the work, in the colors of the bulbs, and in the rhythm of the pulsing lights.
Villareal employs all of these elements to create complex, layered systems that
explore both spatial and temporal resolution. The works in the exhibition share
underlying structures but also take on unique personalities through variations in
form and scale.
During Villareal's exhibition, the storefront windows of the gallery will be taken
over by Strobe Matrix, a grid of flickering lights. The constantly changing
rhythmic patterns of the light imply some form of coded communication.
Expanding on this idea, the matrix will have a corresponding, interactive element
Sequencer 1.0,a web based artwork presented by Amnesty International as part
of Shine02.org ( www.shine02.org ). Internet participants will be able to create
their own pattern sequences, which can be uploaded to Strobe Matrix,
becoming part of a dynamic and evolving 'daily mix'.
Sandra Gering Gallery
534 West 22nd Street, ground floor between 10th and 11th Ave. New York, NY 10011
Gallery hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 6pm. For further information contact Marianna Baer at 646.336.7183 or by email