"Portrait of Marla", Polaroid emulsion transfer, enamel paint on panel by AJ Nadel
"Epiphany", etching with hand embellishment by Dorothy Cochran
“Transformed Through Time”
Dorothy Cochran
AJ Nadel
March 20- April 20, 2008
Opening Reception March 29th, 4-7P
For Immediate Release March 3rd, 2008:
Franklin 54 Gallery is pleased to present the works of Dorothy Cochran and AJ Nadel reflecting the concept of time. Although each works in a completely different process, these 2 artists are incorporating a great deal of time and sequenced events into their works. A number of steps and stages are necessary to complete the works: Dorothy’s “meditation on time pieces” are a combination of obvious time keepers and method ending in exquisite etchings of brilliant color; AJ’s collages stop time when he uses the Polaroid image that has been captured in a moment but then makes it come alive again in the way he uses his materials.
Time continues to be a fascinating and intriguing subject, it goes too fast; it goes too slow. It is interesting to note the time it takes the artist to complete each stage of the process and what happens when the process is cut short, takes longer or is interrupted – how is the end result altered?
Cochran has presented here a group of works based on antique sundials suggesting the measurement or passage of time. Her images are created through drawings, collages and digital manipulations copied onto mylar and exposed to the plate’s surface; a water washout is used to create the etched indentations and as a final part of the process the plate is exposed to ultraviolet light to harden the entire surface. The plate is then inked using intaglio or relief methods and printed; a meticulous yet familiar process for this master printmaker (Dorothy received her MFA in painting and printmaking from Columbia University).
Nadel had transformed his pieces using Polaroid transfers, collage and paint to create interesting and off centered imagery. Through layering, his surfaces are broken into pieces and put back together to make images that are bold and intriguing. Many works are focused on the portrait or human body - appearing like skin, another surface that is affected and transformed through time.
The ancient Egyptian official Ptahhotep included in his wise sayings: “Do not lessen the time of following desire, for the wasting of time is an abomination to the spirit.” These 2 artists have not wasted any time in following their desires enriching their spirits by what they are creating. It has also been said that time separates cause and effect and so it has here with these 2 artists using a different process resulting in different imagery yet they are connected by a sensibility of fragility and boldness intermixed with an intricacy in pattern. Their imagery is sophisticated and complex to be viewed over and over to discover the rich detail that lies within.
Franklin 54 Gallery
181 Christopher Street
New York, NY 10014
212.627.8690
