Sam Friedman “Watermelons”

Joshua Liner Gallery

[Image: Sam Friedman “Untitled" (2017) Acrylic on canvas, 72 x 60 in.]

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Joshua Liner Gallery Joshua Liner Gallery presents Watermelons, the gallery’s first full gallery show for artist, Sam Friedman. Continuing to explore the space between abstraction and recognizable imagery, Friedman will present new paintings, from large to small, each connecting through a new vibrant and florescent palette, combined with his own developed visual alphabet. While resembling our world, each of the works are uniquely abstract. Composed of overlapping and undulating lines the works are engaging and captivating.

Shaped by the world Friedman inhabits, these abstractions gain their inspiration from recognizable scenes, but remove themselves from all singular definition. Images that resemble caves, or topographical maps, dissolve into pure abstraction with other-worldly shades of bright yellows, pinks and greens. By developing new combinations of his visual elements, Friedman builds his pieces as he reworks, and develops each composition. As if working out the answer to an endless visual riddle, each piece operates within his own set parameters, while exploring endless combinations and “solutions.”

Works begin with a loose idea of color and direction, and are executed by the Artist through the process of painting layers, atop of layers, all executed by freehand. Each new layer of acrylic, responds to the one that lies underneath, its composition unfolding as the artist moves towards completing each piece. Friedman explains his process:

They are executed as freehand brush paintings. There is no masking, projecting, or sketching. Paint is applied to canvases freely with a brush, and the paintings develop and grow in an organic manner, with each decision responding to the sequence of decisions that have already been made and executed on the surface.

The outcome of his process is pristine and clean geometric lines and form. As each piece works through its composition, his lines are created without the benefit of editing. It is an automated response to painting. While the clarity of his line resembles something mechanic, Friedman reminds us of the process behind the work, by exposing and keeping any imperfections that may float to the surface. Using a flat paint creates a velvety and delicate surface that, at times, exposes the difference between colors and brushwork. When these rare imperfections do emerge, Friedman considers them an integral part of his practice. His work exists in the space between mechanical and organic. Despite attempted austerity, the automated constructions come from a very personal space, to create beautiful and personal compositions.

Born 1984 in Oneonta, New York, Sam Friedman received his BFA in Commercial Art and Illustration from Pratt Institute in 2006. As a studio assistant to artist KAWS for many years, Friedman notes this as an important contribution to his development as a contemporary artist. Exhibitions include solo shows at Joshua Liner Gallery, New York, NY (2015), Library Street Collective, Detroit, MI (2017, 2014), BEACH at Space 1026, Philadelphia, PA (2013), and Territories Unexplored at Nuartlink Gallery, Norwalk, CT (2012), and two-person show with Josh Sperling, at Joshua Liner Gallery in 2016. Selected group exhibitions include Summer Mixer at Joshua Liner Gallery, New York, NY (2014), Exhibit Z at Library Street Collective, Detroit, MI (2014), and July Group Show at Guerrero Gallery, San Francisco, CA (2013).