Powerful Papers through October 25th

"Swiss Tobacco Leaves"
Carl Posey, photography





For Immediate Release: September 15th, 2007

POWERFUL PAPERS

September 13th – October 25th, 2007


Franklin 54 Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of works on paper by select gallery artists. Paper is an amazing and magical surface – it can be drawn, printed or written on; shred, torn, dunked or wet into a ball of mush. It can have a rough textural or sleek surface to lend to the artist. Whatever its use or the techniques in this show, these artists greatly respect it with their process, completed visual images or the meanings behind them.

Mary Felton’s black and white charcoal drawings grab every tooth on the paper in her bold renderings and variations of the medium; “Order Up” is crisp and clear and 2 new Iris drawings are becoming more abstract with extremes of contrast. Laura Duggan’s pastel portraits grab the paper in a different warm soft way providing an easy balance. Katherine Radcliffe respects her paper in a number of ways, one being she has been an expert marbler for years creating incredibly beautiful designs that draw the viewer in deeper and deeper. These are the backdrops for her new works of acrylic paintings on her hand-marbled paper resulting in heavenly imagery.

Carl Posey’s photograph of rows and rows of tobacco leaves is worthy of any paper and his choice reveals well the folds & texture of each leaf that hangs like the lining of a membrane – a still and powerful image. James LoParo adds 2 Poetry Works “Enchantment” and “Transgression” that are a combination of his smooth flowing words embossed on heavy paper and visual constructions that are strong and honest on handsome paper that reflects the show’s title.

Louis Kunsch combines ink and watercolors on paper that transform out of his layering process into wonderful surprises; Sharon Florin’s giclee’s of Fifth Avenue Reflections and the Eldridge Street Synagogue are a print version of her skillful yet varied architectural paintings and Ann Woodward’s collage pieces are intricate incorporating various papers & drawing. Siri Berg gives us 2 of her pulp paintings that bring us back to the beginning – though made through a difficult process, they are monotone and uncomplicated in their finish – they show us the strength of the paper with little embellishment.

The exhibition will be on view through October 25th, 2007


FRANKLIN 54 GALLERY
181 Christopher Street
(between Washington & West Side Highway)
(#1 train to Christopher St/Sheridan Square)
New York, NY 10014
Gallery Hours: Thursday-Sunday 11-6
212.627.8690 franklin541@verizon.net
www.artnet.com/franklin54.html