must see shows
before they close
Last month I visited several galleries and I ran into some of the usual suspects. I saw Jules Buck Jones and Conduit Gallery, Heath West and Rachel Hellmann at Galleri Urbane, and Sarah Williams at Talley Dunn. I had seen shows by them before and besides some subtle changes, they have stuck to a distinctive style or mode of art making. This compulsion to stay with much of the same type of work has many advantages. An artist can be known for a certain look or known for chasing after an idea. An artist can stick to a style to refine elements and capture just the right combinations of elements to make a great art piece. However, the disadvantage is the work becoming receptive or loses its uniqueness. I think pressure from a gallery might be a factor. A gallery might not be willing to go along with any radical changes. Then again the artist might have felt the subject or style has been completely exhausted.
I would argue in the case of Heath West that his paintings raised to the occasion of changing just enough to feel that more is being explored from his work. The last show of paintings were far more minimal and therefore quieter and less of an activated picture. With more lines all over the composition, an energy of the city radiates for his pictures. I did feel a slight anxiousness from all the line work. Though still simple in design of color and line, there is much more activity in each painting than the last series of work. It is funny how with just a little economy of line you can still make images that are representational.
Rachel Hellmann presented much of the same work that was up last time at Galleri Urbane. Thou her exploration of color and geometric shapes have not run stale. She exhibits painted wood objects with flat painted works on paper. The art on paper reflects the painted objects in that the images seem to represent folds in the geometric composition. Her color choices are sophisticated, yet bright and cheerful. I enjoy being surrounded by these works. It is clear to me Hellmann has mastered these forms she is exploring, which leads to wonder where she might go from here.
Jules Buck Jones was installing in Conduit Gallery’s project room when I was visiting. The room is small and immersive, so the space is perfect for a Buck Jones show. Much of the shows done by Buck Jones is an experience, so every show I have seen by him is different. Yet, the same in images of animals. This time he uses black and white cut-out drawings to fill the space. You felt like you were lost in a jungle or bayou. I think Jules Buck Jones strikes a good balance of making each show unique, while retaining the familiar.
On first glance, Sarah Williams hasn’t changed much either. She is still trying to capture the rural landscape with hints of life. These paintings at Tally Dunn are night scenes and her level of detail has gotten more skillful over the years. Her use of lights, particularly the Christmas lights, were stunning and drew you in close. However, I wonder if she could throw us a curve ball now and then. I remember in grad school she did a series of birds and hair. Oh, how I loved those crazy paintings.
Maybe what I am saying is that you artists out there, don’t be afraid to go in a different direction at least for a short season. And you galleries, don’t be afraid to take a risk now and then. Finally, art goers and collectors, be excited for the artists and galleries for taking risks. Sarah Williams at Talley Dunn and Jules Buck Jones at Conduit will be up until February 22nd. Galleri Urbane will feature Rachel Hellmann and Heath West until February 15th.