calendario eventi  :: 

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20/10/2005

Two Exhibitions

Aron Packer Gallery, Chicago

Michael Ferris Jr: Monsters and Immortals ; Matthew Cox: Thread into Plastic

Gallery One: Michael Ferris Jr.Monsters and Immortals

Michael Ferris' recent body of sculpture and drawing deals with the manifestation of the two polar opposites of human nature, monsters and immortals.

Conceptually, Ferris' sculptural work stems from the idea of the immortal from Chinese mythology. Immortals begin as human but over time enlightenment transforms them spiritually and physically into beings that can travel between this world and other realms.

The sculptures maintain their regular everyday names like Sam, Butch, and Jane even though they are visually and metaphorically something other than normal--a simple and direct way to suggest this duality.

All of the wood used in the sculptures is derived from recycled sources. This suggests rebirth and regeneration. The surfaces consist of small pieces cut and shaped to fit into an overlaid pattern. The coloration is a combination of the wood's natural hues and a pigmented grout made from
sawdust, wood-glue, and acrylic paint. The end result is a clashing array of intricate patterns intended to be visually stunning, but also implies the psychological and spiritual complexity within.

The ink drawings are inspired by his reflections and deeply rooted ambivalence regarding the nature of empire. Ferris distills these impressions by employing a metaphysical narrative designed to communicate the mysterious and diverse character of humanity.

For example, in the drawing Monsters and Immortals, two conflicting but interdependent themes are at the same time activated. Supremacy has enabled the wonders of life and culture to flourish while concurrently producing the social and personal contamination of civilization.

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Gallery Two: Matthew Cox 'Thread into Plastic'

Opposites compel Matthew Cox to create his embroidered x-rays. The stark clash of two such divergent materials, cloth and plastic, is the simple catalyst. One tactile and labor intensive, the other technical, and quickly a finished product.

There's a wide historical context, one ancient, decorative, and artisanal, the other contemporary and devoid of aesthetic intention. For Cox, stitching has a nurturing aspect, and acts as care giving or healing to the injured, a socially feminine sort of action while the x-ray itself can be considered masculine and unemotional.

Finally, his own recognition of what is beautiful (these separately became appealing to Cox at about the same time). As an artist who takes on tedious, labor-driven projects, Cox reacts to the ever-increasing presence of photography in contemporary art-- by introducing the process of labor over
the quick, slickness of film.

Exhibition dates:
October 21 - November 26 (Cox)
October 21 - December 3 (Ferris)

Image: Michael Ferris

Opening: 21 October, 6-9 pm

Aron Packer Gallery
118 N Peoria - Chicago
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11.30 am - 5 pm

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