Stan Smokler "Celestial Mapmaker"
Kim Foster Gallery
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Stan Smokler has always remained true to his origins as a welder inspired by minimalism and the large scale abstract metal compositions that evolved out of the work of David Smith and Anthony Caro. Out of these sources, however, Smokler developed a vocabulary unmistakably his own. There is frequently an element of whimsy in his work, which defies its origins. Therein lies the magic of his sculpture. It does not take itself too seriously.
A scavenger of discarded objects of our urban culture, Smokler gathers relics and reworks the material into steel assemblages. His work often makes reference to geography, history and the stars. In the latest series of sculptures, he has decided to concentrate on cartography to make a commentary on his own age. For him, maps are symbols that represent a way to record one’s self in time. He contrasts textures, line, and form with humorous anecdotes. These works are a kind of playful yet sophisticated meditation for the artist that reflects upon his own age and transient existence in the universe.
Smokler resides in Delaware and is a Fine Arts Professor at the Delaware College of Art & Design. His work has been widely exhibited nationally and is included in numerous private and corporate collections.
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Schedule
from June 07, 2008 to July 03, 2008