New York – The Krause Gallery presents “At First Sight”
Reception: March 7th, 6-8 pm – through April 2nd
Abby Elizabeth: Statement
I am a mixed media painter and object pointillist. In this series, I have aimed to create a visual narrative to the concept of duality forming a whole. I began this work in early 2017 as a meditative exercise combining the symbolic toy soldier with colors and patterns inspired by the natural world. It was my intention to combine two seemingly contrary forces. One inspiring serenity. One inspiring severity. On the surface, these paintings transmit a natural tranquility, but a closer look reveals a sea of plastic soldiers vying for control. For eons human have exerted extreme dominance, violence, and control over each other and their environment. Our existence and behavior seems erratic and abnormal when compared to the natural world. In this vein, I use the plastic figure to symbolize the character of human events, while the color palette and organization reflect the harmony present in the natural world.
Sangsik Hong: Statement
Sang Sik Hongs’ work is all made by hand; each straw or noodle is hand placed, a contrast to the technology we live in today. The softness of the acrylic he paints behind his pieces creates a precise beauty that embodies Hong’s work. The totality of Hong’s work would not be as fresh and uninterrupted had a machine made it. His emotions and personal desires go into making each piece. Hong’s sculptures go beyond the limit of the materials; the images of lips may be interpreted as symbols of desire.
Connecting such symbolized images and symbolic meanings (power and sex) reveals clearly that his interest is focused on human desires.
“Although everyone desires power, only a few people can have it. Power is the symbol of strength and the object for one’s wish since it accompanies many interests. Power is strong, scarce and heading toward eternity. However, the straw, contrary to the properties of power, is a weak structure, easily available to anyone for it is produced on a large scale and a disposable material.” His wit symbolizes semantic relationships and the structure of desires connotes the pathos of reality.
Krause Gallery Instagram: @krausegallery
Abby’s Instagram: @ab3elizabeth
Sangsik Instagram: @SangsikHong
