1–27 June 2013
A Collateral Event at the 55th Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia
Dorsoduro 453
Venice, Italy
Nearest vaporetto stop: Santo Spirito line 6; Zattere lines 2, 5.1, 5.2; Salute line 1
Hours: 1–9 June, 10am–7pm; 11–27 June, 11am–6pm
Closed on Mondays except 3 June
www.nuovaicona.com
www.spacesbh.com
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Curated By Natalie Clifford
Catalogue contributions from Francesco Clemente, Salman Rushdie and Kathleen Goncharov
About Transitions
Nuova Icona and Space SBH present an exhibition of work by Victor Matthews and Paolo Nicola Rossini exploring through painting, sculpture and photography the theme of transition.
Rossini’s photography developed from the need to find a deeper conceptual approach to his work and a personal way of seeing and representing reality through landscapes (in the loosest sense of the word), elements, people and various still life. His multilayered images appear as suspended in time and space, almost indefinite as moments collide.
The photographs melt their subjects together within each image, which combination changes the identity and reality of what the viewer sees, making the work seem more like a painting. This overlap creates a real distortion of the space. Rossini creates the illusion of depth and engages the viewer in seeking recognizable imagery by inventing a familiar yet simultaneously anonymous terrain. This process aims to catch reality in its transition—a suspension between past and present—the transition of spaces, subjects and moments. The viewer is drawn to explore the abstract layers of information and Rossini seeks to engage us in the game of duality; creating a false imagery that lies somewhere between reality and illusion.
Matthews’ paintings transcend from his dreams. He probes his subconscious in order to unravel universal perceptions of reality, memory and the world around us. His “white paintings,” which reference the New York landscape, have a serenity and simplicity about them which is innocent and playful, demonstrating Matthews’ cherished relationship with his city and affording the viewer an intimate look into his psyche.
The interplay of what appear to be shapes become apparent as iconic landmarks—water towers and bridges, cars, sidewalks, fire hydrants—these objects are immediately recognizable to every inhabitant as shared visual terrain; the very essence of Matthews’ old Brooklyn neighbourhood. The paintings have a Modernist sensibility and based on a palate of white, the texture of the acrylic plays against the raw-colored linen canvas, demarcated by a strong presence of the two-dimensional—of line—which winds its way through his city charting the cartography of his subconscious mind.
Like the man himself, we dance along the joyful, happy strokes that punctuate the canvas—affirmative and present, effortlessly gliding, guiding our way through the metropolis. But it is in the balance and silence of these elegant works that Matthews’ poised approach and focus are apparent, revealing the inner calm which is Matthews to a T. He is an artist at peace with himself. The paintings personify a purity within him that transcends time and space.
Matthews and Rossini challenge the transition of image from the mind’s eye, externalizing it through their painting and photography. The works suspend themselves on the edge of innovative creative and philosophical thought, and dare to ask where our interaction between the physical world and our imaginative life, begins and ends.
This is the first collaborative exhibition of the artists and is curated by Natalie Clifford.
Both artists are represented by Space SBH – Contemporary Art Gallery.
Nuova Icona is the sponsoring institution of the show.
Transitions is a Sponsored Project of Artspire, a program of the New York Foundation for the Arts.
For more information, including details of press and preview events, contact info [at] spacesbh.com or www.spacesbh.com.
