Works by James Cassell, Peter E Harper, Joren A Lindholm and Zade Ramsey

Works by James Cassell, Peter E Harper, Joren A Lindholm and Zade Ramsey
Studio Gallery—2nd floor
March 31–April 24, 2010
Opening reception: Friday, April 2, 5–8pm
2108 R Street Northwest • Washington, DC 20008
(202) 232-8734 • studiogallerydc.com

James Cassell’s past work was highly personal in nature, turning the lens on the inner workings of his extended family. For this exhibition, he has broadened his scope to look at the natural world around him and current events (The News is Disquieting). With these influences, Cassell pulls things apart and reassembles them in a way that makes sense to him. Rather than editorialize, Cassell allows the viewer to bring their own experiences into question.

Peter E. Harper’s earlier figurative work has expanded to include abstraction that is bold, messy and expressive—a reflection of the inner mind. Rough hewn lines empty into pools of flat grey (What lightning do). Structure and form are bisected by scraped paths of color. All of this to say that life has its moments of quiet and solitude, of excitement and passion, and of violence and anger. Harper wrestles to find this balance and encourages you to do so also.
     
Joren A. Lindholm takes a thoughtful approach to his work, often creating multiple studies of a piece before completion. His collage work on view has sometimes spawned paintings with a similar content. Once in painting, Lindholm makes intuitive choices about color and shape, abstracting the more literal work of the collage and placing signs for the viewer to discover and discern for himself (The Traveler and the Travel).

Zade Ramsey has found the perfect medium to depict family histories that haunt and shape our psyches. Using materials like antique objects, family photos, and vintage fabrics, Ramsey creates what he calls Memory Boxes. With each, he encourages the viewer to remember events and emotions of the past and reconnect to family long gone and stories left behind. Each piece is a bit mischievous and allows the viewer to create their own narrative derived from the content of the fanciful boxes (Last American Girl).

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In this first of three exhibitions planned for 2010, Thomas Drymon selects work that is fresh and contemporary. The artists chosen for exhibition share qualities both personal and professional, including a willingness to question themselves and the world around them; to explore honest means of communication to an audience; and to grow and progress in their work and personal lives. Their take on the world is defined by real life experiences. And while there is a bit of the theoretical in the works, most can be defined by bold and brave use of the media of choice. These low- to mid-priced works are designed to introduce art collecting to a broader audience and will be shown at traditional and nontraditional venues. For more information, contact Thomas Drymon.