Artists exhibited: Tobias Keene, Robert Graham, Eric Goulder, Andrew Foster, Melissa Coote, Dana Volkert, Brice Marden, Jeff Kowatch, Vincenzo Amato, Elliott Puckette, Anne Nadel
September 21 October 14, 2006 Earl McGrath Gallery
FIGURATIVE + ABSTRACTION is an exhibition of selected artworks from two broad classifications occupying todays varied artistic landscape, the figurative and the abstract. The exhibition aims to offer viewers various points of comparison and contrast between these two styles as well as emphasizing juxtapositions from within by showcasing differing approaches to these two disciplines through medium, stylistic approach and experience.
Figurative works in the main gallery will include the West Coast debut of Robert Grahams Stanhope Drawings, a set of sensual works depicting high profile fashion models and actresses who sat for the artist in 2001. Sculptor Eric Goulders lifelike and deeply psychological work will provides a point of contrast to Andrew Fosters whimsical and illustrative paintings of pinup girls. Tobias Keenes highly energetic colorful nudes will be adjacent to drawings by Melissa Coote of detailed pale hands emerging from dark shadowy backgrounds.
In an adjacent room hung entirely in abstract works, monochromatic prints from Brice Mardens 1972 Untitled Press series flank similarly hued calligraphic ink paintings by Elliott Puckette. Jeff Kowatch and Dana Volkert both use organic forms in their meticulously constructed works interact in this space as well, along with stylized nautical inspired steel sculptures by Vincenzo Amato.
The gallerys courtyard will also include large-scale sculptures from Eric Goulder, Anne Honig Nadel and Victor Salmones.
FIGURATIVE + ABSTRACTION preceded Dana Volkerts and Tobias Keenes solo shows 2006 with the Earl McGrath Gallery Los Angeles, Brice Mardens October 2006 retrospective at the MoMA, and Sothebys unveiling of monumental editions of Eric Goulders sculptures in New York.