Wayne White: I Took The Machine Apart But Could Not Put It Back Together will open on February 8th at Joshua Liner Gallery.
In this third major solo exhibition of Los Angeles-based artist Wayne White, Joshua Liner Gallery has divided the exhibit into five main components ~ White’s signature “word paintings” on vintage offset lithographs (a new series) – text-based works on paper over his painted abstract backgrounds (new texts highlight ‘taking things apart’ and ‘reflection’) – mixed-media marionettes – an installation of drawings, and finally, the entire gallery will be painted over with White’s personal doodles, words, and phrases, pulled directly from his notebook.
“As if pulling back the curtain, the artist has chosen to exhibit a wall of sketches and works on paper— some serving as ideas for future projects, while others exist as pure thought. This collection, left unframed and open, adds to the honesty of the entire exhibition. Taken directly from his recent 30-year retrospective at the Hunter Museum of American Art (Chattanooga, TN), here we see the artist’s hand in direct opposition against the pristine and perfect text paintings. These seemingly random sketches and paper pieces, pinned to the wall, are not there to serve as relics, but rather to help us understand that these thoughts are always current—re ective of his own mind and current studio. These are the thoughts that push his creativity forward.”
“The walls of the gallery will be painted, re ecting White’s text and imagery – all pulled directly from his personal notebook. Not only is White opening his private sketchbook for us, but he is broadcasting and enlarging it for us to see, leaving us with the roots and substance to help inform the artist’s entire practice.”
“The puppet sculptures included in the show are another facet of White’s past and future. Equally important for the artist, four of his marionettes will be on view. Party Girl stands tall in her red heels, while Grievously Wounded Union Soldier once acted as maquette for a larger piece, now serves as a reminder of White’s commitment and respect of history.”
Wayne White: I Took The Machine Apart But Could Not Put It Back Together will be on view from February 8 to March 10, 2018, with an Opening Reception with the artist in attendance, on Thursday, February 8 from 6-8pm, at Joshua Liner Gallery, 540 West 28th Street.
The Exhibit, 10 Years, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Joshua Liner Gallery, still on view to January 27, 2018.