January / February 2008
Wexler Gallery is proud to present an exhibition of new work by world renowned, innovative furniture artist Wendell Castle along with works on paper by photo-realist Chuck Close. Show runs January 4th through February 29th, 2008. *An opening reception will take place on First Friday, January 4th from 5-8pm.
American Furniture artist Wendell Castle creates unique furniture pieces that often blur the line between art and design. His designs for both private collectors and public spaces represent a unique exploration of the qualities and possibilities of materials such as wood, fiberglass, and bronze. Whether taking the identity of a clock, door, table, or chair, for almost 40 years Castle’s work has inspired his viewers to look at furniture with a new vocabulary stemming from the idea that “art is a form of redemption, a transfiguration of the commonplace.”
Painter, photographer, and printmaker Chuck Close is best known for his single portraits of his friends, family and himself. Executed from his own photographs in painstaking detail on a grid of small squares, Close is an artist who in his own words builds “painting experiences for the viewer.” Working first in black and white, then color in the 1970’s and 80’s, for more then 35 year’s the artist work has tempted generations to re-consider concepts surrounding portraiture, self representation, and techniques used in the image making process.
For almost 4 decades, Wendell Castle and Chuck Close have consistently pushed the boundaries of their craft. Both have become masters in their fields who have helped redefine traditional methods and thoughts about processes and materials. Having influenced generations of artists, scholars, and collectors, these innovators continue to produce bodies of work that challenge and explore the possibilities of their mediums.
The Wexler Gallery is an internationally recognized gallery showcasing the finest in contemporary glass, studio furniture, ceramics, jewelry and decorative arts. We are proud to represent some of the world’s most esteemed artists working today, including Wendell Castle, William Harper and Dale Chihuly.
As specialists in contemporary and historic glass, Wexler Gallery serves a wide client base including established collectors looking for specific pieces to enhance their collections, as well as those individuals just beginning to acquire contemporary glass. Alongside the masters, visitors will find extraordinary glass works by today’s emerging talent.
The newest addition to the gallery is WALLS at Wexler, featuring outstanding, affordable paintings, prints and photography. Visitors will find rotating group exhibitions on two floors of the gallery.
The Wexler Gallery is located at 201 North Third Street in the historical district of Old City Philadelphia. We invite you to visit our gallery or explore our website at www.wexlergallery.com. For high resolution images or additional information, please contact Sienna@wexlergallery.com or call (215) 923-7030.