September 17 to October 8, 2015
Diógenes Ballester: Akashic Archives
Luis Stephenberg: Prima Materia
Liz Curtin: On the Wall
The Carter Burden Gallery is pleased to announce three new exhibitions: Akashic Archives by Diogenes Ballester, Prima Materia by Luis Stephenberg and On the Wall by Liz Curtin. The opening reception will be held September 17, 2015 from 6 – 8 PM. The exhibition runs through October 8th at 548 West 28th Street in New York City. The Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday, 11am-5pm, Saturday 11am-6pm.
Diógenes Ballester
Akashic Archives exhibition by Diógenes Ballester draws out the parallels and contrasts between the Sanskrit philosophical/mythological concepts embedded in Tattwas Indian culture and African/Taíno roots. Symbols and imagery are interposed in the paintings, telling a cross-cultural story of meaning related to the quest of these cultures to understand the basic primordial elements of life. Why use images of these ancient concepts of the fundamental elements of life? What does this imagery convey to a 21st century visual arts audience? With the impact of global warming and natural disasters, along with the pressing need to exist in a sustainable manner with the natural environment, the relationship between man/womankind and nature has become not only central but essential. Concepts left to us by these ancestors, as well as the images of balance and tranquility, can teach us vital life lessons. Akashic Archives is meant to offer a visual spiritual experience of what can be achieved, if we attend to seeking and creating balance.
Luis Stephenberg
Prima Materia features Luis Stephenberg’s recent work that derives from his experience as a member of Las Americas Community. He explores the vital information that identifies Puerto Ricans in global participation. The figurative analogy of the landscape is the result of a process. A set of natural referral components form the physical framework of a geographical space and become territory, sharing a secular history of conquest and appropriation. Stephenberg recognizes the collective development of art as idea and, at the same time, establishes the principles of synthesis as the last-ism of the 20th century. His self-described approach to art is represented by the expression of a particular historical moment, the use of art as a form of communication of living social beings, and the concept of art as a document that reveals actions.
Liz Curtin’s large-scale installation will be featured in the gallery space called On the Wall. Curtin’s installation will consist of three large canvas panels that represent how the mind deteriorates with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Curtin’s work is driven by process, since the dripping and scribble imagery emerged from her subconscious, and she understands that her paint expresses chaos. The shapes mimic how Curtin’s own mother is losing her ability to communicate clearly with language.
