Arthur Simms & Randy Wray “Different Roads-Same Destination”

Dorsky Gallery Curatorial Programs

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D O R S K Y G A L L E R Y | Curatorial Programs presents the continuation of its program of independently-curated exhibitions- Different Roads - Same Destination curated by John Alexander. The exhibition features the works of artists Arthur Simms and Randy Wray.

Using an array of found objects and common materials drawn from everyday life, Arthur Simms and Randy Wray both make highly tactile constructions. Their improvisational works incorporate the byproducts of our consumer culture-thrown-away furniture, tossed bottles, worn-out clothing, scrap metal, the discarded waste paper of junk mail-essentially, other people’s trash. By transforming lowly materials into works that belie their humble origins, each artist performs his own, unique kind of alchemy. Redemption, both material and spiritual, is a central theme found in both of their practices.

Simms and Wray often use similar construction methods. Wire, cord, rope and twine are frequently employed to join together other materials. Simms wraps his constructions repeatedly, creating strong nets that encapsulate his bundles. Wray, too, uses wire or cord for structural purposes, but more often as linear devices, “drawing” webs to visually unite elements.

Alexander writes in his essay of the “…synthesis that binds both artists’ sculptures: a relentless, unflinching loyalty and devotion to the object; not only in its inherent materiality but to the process of creation. While each man naturally bears his own derived significance to these works of art, they both know they are rendering finished objects to the viewers in which everyone will apply their own subjective meaning. It is the depth and nuance of such interpretation that engenders a compelling experience of seeing these sculptures-both coupled and alone.”

John Alexander is a New York-based arts administrator. Having worked at the Museum of Modern Art and the Morgan Library & Museum, he is a tireless advocate on the behalf of artists in bringing their work to the public. He has lectured and taught classes on museum practices at conferences and symposiums in New York, Boston, Houston and Valladolid, Spain. He holds an undergraduate degree in art history from the University of Texas, Austin and attended graduate school at the City University of New York, Hunter College.