 Behind the Tree is a Gas Tank, 2004 sanded book page, 28 x 19.5 cm Jonathan Callan Empire and Other Works In Callan's first solo exhibition at Houldsworth Gallery, he confronts the viewer with an array of wondrous and perplexing meditations on materiality. Callan takes that which is readable and comprehensible and turns it into something that appears to defy its form. The book becomes an object not to be read, but experienced - sometimes exploded into thousands of pieces and at other times twisted or screwed together. Callan's recent pieces explore his own kind of drawing; using paint or abrasive tools to obliterate an image leaving only one object behind. The significance of the isolated branch, chair or pair of eyes is lost, but in the absence of context it takes on a greater meaning. Accompanying his wall pieces and sculptures is a video of tiny toy animals gradually filling up with silicone. The results of this ongoing study into these chaotic and yet manipulated self forming creations can be seen displayed on a massive wall mounted grid. The gaudy colours of felt fabrics are punctuated with Callan's trademark white silicone that oozes from their cloth paws. Jonathan Callan has exhibited widely both nationally and internationally. He has a major solo exhibition at the Mattress Factory Pittsburg, October 2005; recent solo exhibitions include Martin Kudlek, Cologne 2004; Nicole Klagsbrun, New York, 2003; New Art Gallery, Walsall, 2003; Firstsite Gallery, Colchester, 2003 (catalogue available). In 2004 he exhibited in "Heimweg" with Hamish Fulton, Kasper Konig, Richard Long, Yoshimoto Nara and Lawrence Weiner. Callan is included in numerous collections including MOMA, New York, The British Museum, London, The Henry Moore Institute, South London Gallery, London, Whitworth Gallery, Manchester and The Ferens Art Gallery, Hull. Exhibition: 21 April - 28 May 2005 Gallery hours: Tue-Fri 10am - 5.30pm, Sat 10am - 4pm Houldsworth Gallery 33-34 Cork Street UK-London W1S 3NQ Telephone +44 (0)20 7434 2333 Fax +44 (0)20 7434 3636 Email gallery@houldsworth.co.uk www.houldsworth.co.uk |
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