EDWARD EVANS: JOURNEYS - January 5- February 13, 2010

Early Lighting, acrylic on linen 2009, 28x34"














Flight of Matta, acrylic on linen 2009, 54x68"







Plight of Odysseus, acrylic on linen 2009, 72x96"






EDWARD EVANS
Journeys: new large paintings
January 5th to February 13, 2010
Reception: Jan. 7th, 6-8p
Gallery Hours: Tues-Sat 11-6p

Franklin 54 Gallery + projects is pleased to present an exhibition of new large paintings by Edward Evans. The scale of these illusionistic acrylic on linen works is breathtaking - they appear dimensional on the slick airbrushed surfaces that heighten the depth and space. Colors of charcoal grays, oranges and indigos softly abound leaving room to rest in the white spaces that enhance the layers of light. There are swooping movements at different speeds in and out throughout the canvas, soft and hard edges – your eye can hardly stop the ricochet effect yet they are also serene and peaceful - there are many places to get lost but you won’t because this artist has complete control of his medium and directs you on your path.

Explosions of color are everywhere and the movements and shadows give forth to rock formations contrasting with pillowy effects, enclosed inferno landscapes, skies and mists. Light comes through each color as there are many layers applied even though they are thinly painted. The works are full of contradictions and surprises, control and chance. They are crisp and clean yet intertwined. Evans strives to simplify the works and make them more painterly and spontaneous this time around and succeeds in doing so. Standing in front of the piece one can step in and passage through this incredible journey for a very long time.

Edward Evans spent his early years in Minnesota and now lives and works in Stroudsburg, PA. He is the curator at the Southwest Minnesota State University Art Museum as well as other venues and owner of Gallery 705 in Stroudsburg, PA. Edward’s works have been exhibited widely in museums and galleries in the United States and internationally including Italy and Switzerland and are included in numerous museums, private and corporate collections. Evans will be having a solo show in Galleria Polid'Arte, Spoleto, Italy from June 25 - July 25, 2010 during the world famous "Festival of Two Worlds", also called the Spoleto Festival.