Robert Steele Gallery Exhibition Listing

A RARE SOLO EXHIBITION

September 5 - October 4, 2008

To view more artwork from the exhibition, click on image.

"Divided Forms: Works by Keizo Ushio" is a rare solo exhibition by this internationally-known Japanese stone-sculptor. Although Keizo's finished works are always conceived from a single block of granite, many are comprised of two equal and interlocking parts, with curving and twisting shapes derived from complex geometric forms. The artist has developed an ingenious technique for dividing these stones, drilling at precise intervals into the granite midway through from each side and aligning the holes so that they join in the center. Furthermore, Keizo's personal style involves refining the drill marks resulting from the process of dividing the stone. These refined drill marks then become a strong feature of the final sculpture.

As Nathaniel Friedman, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics and Statistics at the University at Albany – SUNY, observes, mathematics-inspired art such as Keizo's is an ancient conception. "There were artworks based on geometry in many early civilizations such as Islamic art, African art, and American Indian art. Modern artists such as Naum Gabo, his brother Antoine Pevsner, and particularly Max Bill, Maurits Escher, and Francois Morellet were influenced by mathematics."

For 34 years and across four continents, Keizo's work has been seen in numerous exhibitions. The artist has won several important awards, including the Asahi Newspaper Prize and the Citizen Prize at the 13th Kobe Sumarikyu Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition. Most recently he accepted the prestigious Nagano Sculpture Award. Keizo, a graduate of Kyoto City University, is Curator of Japanese Artists for Australia's annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition, holds memberships in the Japan Art Association and the Hyogo Prefecture Sculpture Association, and serves on the committee of planning and management at the Asago Sculpture Museum.

Passages: Arnette Jens Zerbe

IN THE PROJECT ROOM

September 5 - Oct 4, 2008

To view more artwork from the exhibition, click on image.

"Passages" attempts to convey through color and form the experience of changing energy and physical movement. Says the artist:

This period of my work focuses on the expressive qualities of paper, water, ink, and pigment. Initially, I let the materials have full play as I search for unique color relationships. I try to be an observer, watching for new ideas as the materials interact, rather than imposing a pre-designed concept. My love of torn edges and unusual shapes leads to deconstructing the paper. As the painting continues to develop, I reconstruct and combine forms to create unexpected tensions. Notions about transit and transformation remain present as I work. The process is free of traditional brushes. I use a more intimate, tactile approach as I work directly on the surface.