May: Beyond the Surface, A Contemporary Drawing Show

 

Beyond the Surface: A Survey of Contemporary Drawing

Curated by Evan Kitson

 

We live in an amazing time artistically; a little over one hundred years ago a show of this nature wouldn’t have been a possibility. Historically, drawings have been thought of as studies, sketches, doodles, subservient parts of a larger work. The modern notion of “works on paper” opened up an important dialog, elevating the mediums of drawing such as graphite and charcoal to high Art. This gave the artists and draftsman a platform for experimentation (play) and searching thought. Historically, an artist had to become well known before their drawings were taken notice of, often thought of and enjoyed as a second, more hidden tier to their grander oeuvre. It’s only in very recent years that drawing has been lifted up as it’s own complete art form, and for every artist in this exhibition, it is indeed one of their primary means of expression.

 

The drawings on display all speak to a greater whole, created by artists and draftsmen who employ drawing as a major creative aspect within their artistic practice. Each of these works explore their subject in a genuine, searching manner and make use of their chosen media as a vehicle for a deeper dialog; each responding to the representation on the surface through the practice of their various modes of application. From highly rendered observational drawings to sensitive photo-realism, from layered abstract marks to repetitive mechanical process, all of the work in this exhibition speaks to the genuine search- the reach for a deeper understanding, a deeper connection. This exhibition proudly displays work that examines what makes each of us pick up a pencil for the first time.

 

 

 

Exhibiting Artists:

Dina Brodsky

Danielle Brown

Mairin-Taj Caya

Matt Chapman

Randall DiGiuseppe

Francine Fox

Jeff Geib

Evan Kitson

Isaac Pelepko

Grayson Ronk

David M. Stallings

David Stenulson

Catherine Stickles

Maria Teicher

Jeremy Waak

Jason Ward

John David Wissler

Tina Yanni