Robert Mangold
dal 22/2/2009 al 7/5/2009
Segnalato da
22/2/2009
Robert Mangold
Parasol Unit, London
The exhibition will concentrate on three dynamic groups of painting that Mangold executed between 1980 and 1986, entitled X, Plus and Frame Painting series. These outstanding and rarely exhibited works continue to express Mangold's central concern in painting, namely the relationship between plane and figure and mark a pivotal point in his artistic career.
Parasol unit is delighted to present a new exhibition by the American artist Robert Mangold. The exhibition will concentrate on three dynamic groups of painting that Mangold executed between 1980 and 1986, entitled X, Plus and Frame Painting series. These outstanding and rarely exhibited works continue to express Mangold’s central concern in painting, namely the relationship between plane and figure and mark a pivotal point in his artistic career. This will be Mangold’s first one-person exhibition in a UK institution.
The x and + series', as their titles suggest, refer to mathematical operations. Their overall shape is composed of several rectangular and square canvases of varying lengths and widths put together according to specific rules. In each case a hand drawn x or + in pencil forms the figure that moves the eyes from the centre to the edges of the work. Of particular importance is Mangold’s use of vivid and intense colour combination which highlights the interplay of scale and perception.
The concept is taken one step further in Mangold’s Frame Paintings, in which usually four, but in a few cases three, rectangular canvases are arranged to form a frame. An irregular hand-drawn ellipse in pencil runs across the surface of the paintings touches variably the inner corners of the frame or the inner and outer edges of the rectangles. One of the most significant elements of these works is the relationship between the work and the gallery wall, which is encapsulated by the frame, but also surrounds the work, creating a three-dimensional space that resonates with the works of some of Mangold’s contemporaries, such as Dan Flavin and Sol LeWitt.
Robert Mangold was born in North Tonawanda, New York in 1937. He lives and works in Washingtonville, New York.
This exhibition will be accompanied by a new publication on the artist's work, co-published by Parasol unit and Koenig Books, London.
Opening february 23th, 2009
Parasol Unit
14 Wharf Road - London
Hours: tue-sat 10am-6pm, sun 12-5pm. Closed Easter Friday and Easter Monday
Free admission