This show will inaugurate our new space at
1402 1/2 Greenleaf Street in Evanston, IL. This location is just two blocks
north of Main Street and two blocks west of Ridge Avenue. The space will not be
open until the reception on December 9th.
Click here to view the
press release for this show.
A Review
The
most recent show at Gillock Gallery, a group offering meant to inaugurate the
gallery’s new space, is a study in contrasts. At once quirky and assured, the
collection of works is a solid reaffirmation of Gillock Gallery’s commitment
to the Evanston art community.
Several works represent each artist in the
show, giving viewers a perspective on the different methods and inspirations
present in the individual artists. Particularly interesting is the play between
different groups of works that hang close together. The carefully considered and
meticulously produced paintings by David Gracie hang close to the meaty, much
larger works by Norbert Marszalek. Gracie’s small, smooth, detailed works draw
viewers in, while Marszalek’s paintings push viewers across the room to see
the textured, variegated surfaces resolve into a photographic arrangement of
color and shape. Both of these artists represent different avenues of virtuoso
painting. Highlights from this group are Gracie’s portrait of famed
Northwestern professor James Valerio (with whom Gracie studied) and
Marszalek’s Dialogue #3.
Michael Ellis, who was a classmate of
Gracie at Northwestern, is also engaged in a precise form of painting. However,
Ellis often subverts the surface of his works, creating the illusion of
smoothness over areas of impasto. These areas, where the illusion of space and
precision of form remain intact in spite of the varied surface texture, offer a
satisfying visual experience for viewers. The tactile sense of the paintings, as
well as their three-dimensional feeling, is deftly heightened by these surface
phenomena. The presence of volume and the plasticity of the painted form can
also be seen in Marion Kryczka’s work on display in this show. His painting Steel
Head is particularly nice.
Also present in the show are several
graphic works, including veteran Curt Frankenstein’s etching Political
Promotion, Franco Fusari’s delicate rose colored drawing Figure Study,
and Matthew Ballou’s massive charcoal work titled Covering. Rounding
out the varied media on display were three photos by Christopher Schneberger.
What this show lacks in cohesive approach
it makes up for in its exhibition of the community of artists Connie Gillock has
brought together. The similarities and differences among this group serve to
highlight their intense work ethic in pursuit of their art. Gillock’s
commitment to representational, symbolic art is an asset to Chicagoland. That
dedication is reflected in the move to a more versatile space, which will allow
both more shows and a greater variety of work. The move will also allow for
regular hours for the space, which can only mean that more people will see the
artwork.
Lawrence Smith
