VARIATION ON A THEME

Pat Berran / Pete Corrie / Brian Hubble / Catherine Vo
07 August – 01 September 2008
Opening reception: Thursday 07 August 2008, 5–9 PM

Having come from far ends of the visual arts spectrum, these works mute the notion of a mandatory illustration of the lone agenda. They do not attempt to wrap a dispensable singular idea around pre-existing images for the mere sake of confluence. Ranging from pure abstraction to everyday discarded material, these works reside in color and mordacity, unapologetic for their multi-faceted aspects on the individual or united level. In true mixed media form, they speak of destructive beauty, wastefulness, chicanery, and wistfulness with a keen sense of hope and an undeniable hint of self-defined sarcasm.

The original presentation

The gallery published this show as a Flash presentation on its website. It plays below in Ruffle, an open-source Flash player that runs in the browser. Use NEXT and PREV to move through it; its HOME button led to the old online gallery, which no longer exists.

Pat Berran

PAT BERRAN builds heavy oil spills that litter Blade Runner-like landscapes. Deep, dark craters threaten one's existence. This is the end of the world. This isn't Sunday landscape painting with cobalt blue skies...this is vivid neon light in every color highlighted further still by contrasting dreary greys and browns. Hidden within repulsive lines, shapes, and colors are glimmers of beauty that compete for your attention. It is a rough, untamed landscape with wonders and unashamed dashes of color.

TW (2007), Acrylic, oil on canvas, 20” X 16”, $1,600

Slipped Matters (2007), Acrylic, spray paint, ink, oil on canvas, 20” X 16”, $1,600

Places to Sit and Conquer (2007), Acrylic on panel, 24” X 24”, $2,400

Slipped 2 (2007), Ink on paper, 30” X 22”, $1,200

Pete Corrie

PETE CORRIE's work focuses on life in a world of garbage but sees only possibilities. The quick, piecemeal process by which these objects are made reflects the inherent positivity in reusing cast-off material while never quite overcoming their "trash-topian" environment. Spray painted in clashing colors these assemblages of bricks, newspaper, cigarette boxes, and beaded necklaces stick out like sour thumbs.

Untitled (statue) (2007), wood, newspaper, paint, string, beads , 22 x 10 x 9, $1,500

Untitled (yellow oval) (2008), gouache on newsprint, $300

Untitled (blue square) (2008), gouache on newsprint, $300

Untitled (future primitive) (2008), brick,
newspaper, tape, paint, cigarette box, wood
chair, cardboard, gouache
installation dimensions variable
sculpture: 44 x 14 x 17
leaning piece: 23 x 26
paiting: 12.5 x 11.5
contact gallery for price

Brian Hubble

BRIAN HUBBLE presents paintings and video that blurs the line between reality and imagination by way of humor, trickery and confusing absurdity. Whether it's planting a goading aerial advertisement or failing to sell art to a group of mechanics, Hubble's work deceives or plays jokes, many times at the viewer's expense.

Aerial Advertisement (2008), Collage on panel, 43” x 48”, $3,500

Banner By D.B. Wood, Jr. (1988), Mixed media collage on canvas, 46” x 46”, $3,500

Dual Compromise (2006), Prisma color acrylic and graphite on rimmed
corkboard with cinder blocks, 77” x 55”, $6,000 (includes video/sculpture)

Lincoln and the Contrabands and the Aliens (2008), Defaced original article on Abraham Lincoln, 16” x 26”, contact gallery for price

Catherine Vo

CATHERINE VO distills both personal and imposed wishful thought into traditional print. Whether it's taking inspiration from photographs or imagination, these images are vibrant illustrative renderings exercised in quaint surrealism. They are produced out of the sincerity of a path not chosen, with a comment on personal culture and expectations, enveloped in an optimistic interpretation of what it is like to make the first decision.

Choose Your Own Adventure (2007) , Etching and Aquatint (unique print), 9.75” x 14”, $600

Dream I – Blue/Yellow (2006), Linocut reduction (artist’s proof), 5” x 7”, $100

Dream I – Red (2006) , Linocut reduction (artist’s proof), 4” x 6”, $100

In Rembrance of the Golux (2007), Etching and aquatint (unique print), 8.75” x 12”, $400

See also Rabbithole Studio, 2006–2012.

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