 Arena, 2004 graphite, resin and oil on coated paper, 28-1/2 x 40-1/4" Christopher Cook Recent graphites on paper and aluminum Mary Ryan Gallery presents British artist, Christopher Cook for his first New York exhibition with a sequence of new graphites depicting theatrical architecture as well as images that explore the relationship between the observer / observed. A specific process developed by the artist based on liquefying graphite powder that allows the artist to create lush compositions that achieve a full range of tonal nuances and combine a painterly surface with a photographic aesthetic. The end works are seductive images that dislocate the viewer from the physical world into a dream-like scene. Christopher Cook abandoned chromatic paintings after a series of trips to India, where he explored sand drawings and became enraptured by the tactile, ephemeral characteristic of the process. Influenced by this experience and his passion for natural elements and geological phenomena, Cook turned to carbon, the building block of life. Through years of experimentation, Cook developed his signature graphites by mixing graphite powder with resin, oil, and solvents which then is applied onto coated paper or wall mounted aluminum. Using various implements like brushes, fingers, rags and even letting gravity dictate the movement of the liquid mixture, the imagery begins to emerge from the constant workings of the medium. The delicate balance between predetermined ideas and unpredictable effects that are integral to the artist's image-making process, produces these enchanting views. Some of the architectural works depict sections of Radio City Music Hall, Opera Garnier in Paris, and other European theatres. Old postcards, photographs as well as memory of the space serve as point of reference when beginning these pieces. Imaging the Future shows a closed stage curtain in soft, gray tones with remnants of architectural details. On top are decorative patterns created by making an impression with a fabric swatch to create the look of mosaics. The overall tone of the work conjures up a 19th century daguerreotype of architectural relics discovered. "Déjà-vu" is a panoramic view from the stage, looking out onto the ornate tiers and orchestra seating sections at the Opera Garnier. An archetypal example of French Rococo architecture, this image conjures up the beautiful mural paintings, gilded mosaics and lavish Corinthian columns. In "Enticing", the upper portion of the work shows the interior of a Baroque theatre with forms that resemble extravagant chandeliers and balconies. The foreground is an abstract, ethereal fluid surface reminiscent of a waterway flowing and illustrates the artist's interest in both real and surreal imagery. Through the artist's controlled use of light and dark and his range of tones, each work evoke sumptuous three-dimensional space. "Drivetime" is a pair of graphites that conjure up views looking out from a moving vehicle. Objects and forms are suggestive of organic forms emerging from the obscurity of dark grays. The soft edges that blur the forms not only evoke a fleeting moment, but also a fleeting memory. Christopher Cook studied English and Fine Art at the University of Exeter and then went on to receive an MA in painting at the Royal College of Art. He has regularly exhibited throughout Europe and most recently, he showed his large-scale aluminum pieces at the Diboll Gallery in New Orleans and the Art Museum at the University of Memphis. He has been invited to numerous Artist Residency programs, including the one at the Eden Project in Cornwall, England. His works are in the collection of the British Museum, Fitzwilliam Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. This is Cook's first show at the Mary Ryan Gallery, NY. Exhibition: 20 May - 2 July 2004 Opening Hours: Tue-Sat 10am - 5pm Mary Ryan Gallery 24 West 57th Street, 2nd Floor USA-New York, NY 10019 Telephone +1 212 397 0669 Fax +1 212 397 0766 Email info@maryryangallery.com www.maryryangallery.com |
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