Two exhibitions
dal 10/6/2004 al 10/7/2004
Segnalato da
10/6/2004
Two exhibitions
Aron Packer Gallery, Chicago
Bill Gross, Monochrome. Continually inspired by the immediate surroundings of his urban neighborhood, Bill Gross creates work that both records and reconsiders his environment. Gross' compositions depict fragments of signs, brick walls, and architectural details primarily located on the West Side of Chicago. In this recent series, Gross has reassessed this familiar subject by utilizing a monochromatic, gray palette. Tom McDonald Imperial Tin-Knocker. Tin knocker is a slang term for a blue-collar metal worker. McDonald expands on this idea and makes rough representations of submarines, ships, and other military might.
Bill Gross
Monochrome
Continually inspired by the immediate surroundings of his urban
neighborhood, Bill Gross creates work that both records and reconsiders his
environment. Gross' compositions depict fragments of signs, brick walls,
and architectural details primarily located on the West Side of Chicago. In
this recent series, Gross has reassessed this familiar subject by utilizing
a monochromatic, gray palette. Removing color from the work, he has
diminished the nostalgic effect of the images. The paintings are more flat
than Gross's previous work-locations are less recognizable and the images
appear at times almost animated.
These smart, playful works derive from Gross's preoccupation with the
coexistence of abstract and representational art. While his compositions
have identifiable elements, such as text from a meat packing company¹s sign,
the influence of mid-century modernists such as Ellsworth Kelly is apparent.
Some of the paintings are presented on multiple panels-a technique that
further fragments yet oddly completes the piece. This is just one of several
ways Gross deftly creates a sense of displacement for the viewer. Merging
vernacular street imagery with modernist abstract art, Gross allows us to
find new meaning in the familiar.
_______
Tom McDonald
Imperial Tin-Knocker
Tin knocker is a slang term for a blue-collar metal worker. McDonald expands
on this idea and makes rough representations of submarines, ships, and other
military might. His assemblage technique is cold fastening (non-welded) tin
and other raw materials by the use of screws, nuts, and bolts. Other
ornamentations range from gas-can closures and car parts to copper wiring.
McDonald is fascinated with the build-it-yourself kits of his youth: Toggle,
Erector sets, and model airplanes. These male-oriented toys introduced the
artist to tools and materials as well as laying the foundation for creative
thinking and problem solving.
Growing up during the Vietnam era with a WW II veteran father, it was easy
to feed his fascination for American military apparatus. As he grew older,
his political stance shifted. In the long run, this body of work is more
about the art and the process if making it, versus the destructive reality
of war.
McDonald further articulates, 'I really believe the work is about capturing
or re-capturing the innocence of being a child and perhaps the capturing of
the projected innocence and assumed glory of American military power.' His
sculptures step into the personal realm-touching both the simple innocence
of being a child and the mature understanding that comes with being an
adult.
Image: a work by Bill Gross
Who/What:
Gallery 1
Bill Gross‹ Monochrome
Paintings
Gallery 2
Tom McDonald‹ Imperial Tin-Knocker
Sculpture
Artists' Reception Friday, June 11th, 6- 9PM
When: June 11 Â July 10, 2004
Gallery Hours: Tuesday  Saturday 11:00 AM  5:30 PM
Where: Aron Packer Gallery 118 N. Peoria Chicago IL 60607