An exhibition of works by the Colombian-born artist Gloria Ortiz-Hernandez. Entitled "Mass and Measure" the exhibition will show series of recent drawings.
Mass and Measure, Drawings
May 16th 2002 until July 2nd
Opening May 16th, 6.30 Â 9 PM
From Thursday May 16th 2002 Gallery N. von Bartha is proud to present an
exhibition of works by the Colombian-born artist Gloria Ortiz-Hernandez.
Entitled "Mass and Measure" the exhibition will show series of recent
drawings. The exhibition will be on view until July 2nd.
The artist's vocabulary, consisting only of the square and the circle, is
compelling in its simplicity and restraint. Ortiz-Hernandez invests these
basic forms with new purpose through her accomplished use of tone and
texture.
To show the force and weight of the colour black Ortiz-Hernandez describes
how she "draws layer upon layer of overlapping lines creating a thick
surface. The density of the material adds weight to the form making the
square, or circle, appear full. Through diffusion the colour black moves out
into the luminous white paper and its weight is reduced."
In a recent review of her work in ARTnews Jerry Cullum wrote : "It is
Ortiz-Hernandez's ability to wrest a range of gently resonant effects out of
her rigorously limited subject that distinguishes her art. She returns a
species of spiritual energy to the square, but with a tone of seriousness
that bears more kinship with Suprematism than with the stark rationalism of
Minimalism."
Edward J. Saywell noted in his essay Drawing the Square: "Common to all of
Ortiz-Hernandez's drawings is the form of the black square. Simultaneously
one of the most straightforward and powerful of shapes, the square holds the
space of the paper with great authority. The blackness of the squares,
however, moves the concern of the drawings beyond that of just form to that
of weight and physical structure. [...] The weight of the blackness is
modulated further by what Ortiz-Hernandez has called an "unfolding of the
solid square" through a gradual diminution of tone from one drawing to
another [...] Ortiz-Hernandez delights in the tactile beauty and immediacy of
the pencil in creating the most delicate nuanced opacities."
Currently living and working at a farm in rural Pennsylvania, USA,
Ortiz-Hernandez begun her career as an artist in New York City. Her work is
represented in museums as well as private and corporate collections
throughout the United States. This exhibition is her first solo show in
Europe.
Gallery N. von Bartha is open to the public from
Thursday to Saturday, 11am - 5pm. Please call before visiting.
GALLERY NIKLAS VON BARTHA
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