NYAB Event - "The Persistence of Line" Exhibition

"The Persistence of Line" Exhibition

This event has ended.
At Kentler International Drawing Space
Media: Painting, Drawing

The contents of the flatfiles at the Kentler International Drawing Space is delightfully diverse--a testimony to the open-minded policy of a place that embraces creativity on a broad scale. Thus the selection process, albeit predetermined by the material already therein, could have been a daunting task.

While pouring over the drawers containing the work one embarks on a voyage of discovery that can lead in many directions. One might choose a theme as a way to organize the selections, or possibly include a large number of works of different character, highlighting diverse materials and artistic intentions. Frequently though it is the immersion into the selection process itself that brings to light certain repeated features in a number of works and a theme begins to emerge on its own. What struck me while looking at the numerous works was the artists’ adherence to clearly defined linear elements in many of the pieces. Naturally, line is the prime embodiment of mark making, which is a core activity in drawing. Thus the preponderance of line is not a surprise in itself – what is startling is seeing the many different manifestations the line can take in order to become a viable tool. In an artist’s hands it can metamorphose from something sharply defined, classical and almost impersonal into a thick, blurry and expressive tool that makes evident the artist’s emotions and need for metaphor.