solo exhibitions opening this week on different coasts for two of our artists. on the west coast baroque sensibilities: sherrie wolf is opening at the long beach museum of art. on the east coast john westmark-narratives is opening at the gibbes museum in charleston, south carolina. each show will be an excellent way to obtain a comprehesive look into the artist's amazing work. sherrie wolf incorporates the past through her art historical backgrounds that pay homage to well known artists and john westmark integrates the past by using old paper sewing patterns throughout his paintings. a common theme in their work is the focus on the human figure.
this collection of 21 exquisite works by artist sherrie wolf, one of the west coast’s most talented artists, will explore the baroque period inspired by classic paintings to create original works of art. wolf’s expertly painted works begin with inspiration from classic works as background and her curated choice of objects set within the paintings foreground.
spanning from the late 17th century through the 18th century, the baroque period saw some of the most beautiful paintings in art history. baroque works often have action or attention within the painting working in disparate ways with action happening outside of the setting. wolf’s work embraces the original paintings and inspirational images and takes them into her own personal direction. she does this through depth of field, reflections and play of light, palette, and additions of 20th century everyday objects creating a unique setting to give the viewer a fresh look and a chance to revisit historic works in a new light.
the exhibition includes both large scale and more intimate paintings that explore the diverse scope of wolf's art historical references, the nuanced virtuosity of her still life juxtapositions of fruit, flowers and other objects, and the evolution of her compositional interests. two major scale self-portraits will add another dimension to the exhibition.
john westmark: narratives
april 4 - july 13, 2014
this exhibition showcases new work by john westmark, a contemporary artist who weaves imaginative narratives into his large-scale paintings. westmark explores the human figure in dynamic ways, through his innovative use of text and paper sewing patterns collaged on canvas. his paintings depict strong courageous women, some portrayed as stoic martyrs and others as warriors engaged in conflicts of rebellion.
if you are in long beach or charleston in the next few months please check out these must see shows! paintings by sherrie wolf and john westmark will be included in our upcoming go figure group exhibition at hidell brooks in january 2015.