Selections 38

Selections 38 was an exhibition of unique works on paper which challenged contemporary definitions of drawing. This presentation marked a significant exhibition opportunity for each of the seven emerging artists included. All of the artists in Selections 38 participated in the Artists' Viewing Program, including Open Portfolio Day at The Drawing Center. Artists included are Christian Garnett, Owen Gray, David Jeffrey, Max Miller, Daniele Robbiani, Hugh Steers, and John R. Thompson.

Selections 38 included a large scale installation, cardboard relief sculpture, mixed media works, as well as drawings in media traditionally associated with work on paper. Swiss artist Daniele Robbiani was represented by an installation composed of individual sheets cut from a 1920's French yearbook and overpainted with abstract patterns. John R. Thompson's playful relief sculpture was meant to be understood as an integral part of the wall surface on which it was displayed. Owen Gray's vibrant oil sketches incorporated elements inspired by old masters such as Rubens and Tiepolo, escapist fantasy and the Italian countryside. The tiny oil sketches of Hugh Steers depicted a gritty psychological reality, unsettlingly vague and ambiguous. Christian Garnett welded figuration with abstraction, evoking the heroic struggle of man against his environment in his dark mysterious charcoals. Sculptor David Jeffrey's drawings were carefully built up of layers of charcoal pressed through screens or stencils. The monochromatic abstractions of Max Miller combined oil stick, powdered pigment, gesso, ink and charcoal on an oversized scale.

All the artists in Selections 38 participated in a symposium Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00 pm. The artists discussed their work and answered questions from the audience.