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Exhibits |
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Assemblages: "Putting Things Together: Assemblages by Abby Wasserman," an exhibit at O'Hanlon Center for the Arts Loft Gallery Dec. 2-30, 2008, featured explorations in three dimensions with found and recycled elements incorporating painting, photographs, and in one case, a dragonfly. The materials are diverse but most of the assemblages feature circle and linear elements, and there's a distinctly Asian feel. Photographs of each work in the show, with materials used, are below.
Artist's Statement:
Years ago, while working at the Oakland Museum of California, I spent two days interviewing the late assemblage artist Noah Purifoy at his home in Joshua Tree. I was impressed with Noah's openness to let objects speak to him. He called his materials "junk" but clearly loved each and every one. There was nothing formulaic about his process; all was intuitive, with great intelligence and insatiable curiosity behind it. I remember the pleasure of watching Noah work. (The article can be found on this web site.)
I'm also a great admirer of the evocative, mysterious work of sculptor Martin Puryear. While Noah's work was frequently funky and not meant to last, Puryear's is crafted for the ages. The work of both artists is authentic, imaginative and courageous, just as I would like mine to be.
Warm thanks to O'Hanlon Center for the Arts workshop facilitators Steve Coleman, Elaine James, Ahbi Vernon, Jill Shira, Ben Parker, Tony Lawlor, Cayen Robertson, and Annie Hallatt. They created the joyful atmosphere that inspired me to start playing around with wood and putting things together. Sculptor Gretchen Mentzer provided invaluable insight as I developed the assemblages, challenging me to push the process further, in some cases, than I had. The dynamic design of the installation also came from Gretchen.
The show is dedicated to my mother, Caroline Leland Wasserman (Lele), 1907-1994, who passed on to me her appreciation of beautiful things.
Abby Wasserman
December 2008
Images from the Exhibition: Below are images from the Exhibition. Click on any image to see a larger version.
If you are interested in purchasing an artwork, contact Abby.
Thirty percent of all sales goes to O'Hanlon Center for the Arts.
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Pawns, 2008. Cedar shingle, saké cups, chess pawns, black sand, mica
flakes, mattress vine, paint: SOLD
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Shrine, 2008. Wood, tea-box lid, chess piece, mattress vine, stone, watch, dragonfly, fragments of a Chinese painting on paper, photographs,
paint: $400
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Dream Catcher, 2008. Table-leg assembly, hoop, hourglass box, willow,
mattress vine, paint: SOLD
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Meditation, 2008. Wood, piece of apple branch, hoop, veneer samples,
kelp, mirror, lichen, paint, copper wire, dowels, nail: $400
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Pins, 2008. Wooden recipe box lid, clothes pins, bamboo skewers, paint: SOLD
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Unspooling, 2008. Wood base from a candle lamp, shims, spool, vine: $250
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War Wheel, 2008. Wheel, mattress vine, ribbon, bell, paint, wax, ink,
copper wire: $300
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Runes, 2008. Table-leg assembly, apple branch, wooden alphabet letters,
tongue depressors, old Turkish forged-iron tool (from Ben Parker),
deconstructed hoop, wishbones, thread, bolt, paint: $500
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Clockwise from left: Lele, Drum, and Giftas (Marriage).
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Drum, 2006. Hoop, slats, Japanese paper, calligraphy, twigs, thread, paint: NFS
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Lele, 2006. Hoop, lacquered box, slats, branches, Steinway key, glass piece, thread, miniature vase: NFS
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Giftas (Married), 2008. Hoop, slats, parts of a Japanese candle lamp,
calligraphy from a popular novel, lichen, paint: $300
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| Framed, 2007. Wood, hoop, candle lamp parts, straw, thread, paint: $350 |
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All text and images © 2005-2010 Abby Wasserman unless otherwise stated |
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