Little Treasures – Big Rewards

March 4th - 26th, 2011

Opening: March 4th from 5 - 9 pm

Projects Gallery
629 N 2nd St. Philadelphia PA 19123 (map)
Philadelphia - USA
Tel: 267 303 9652

The role of small works of art has, in modern culture, been delegated to the “minor works” category. They become overlooked, poorly appreciated and frequently labeled as good choices for a holiday show to generate a few sales. They have also been the subject of shows where size is all that matters, i.e. all works will be postcard size, measure 12”x12”, etc. Historically, the role of small works has been very different. The Mona Lisa is perfectly sized for a good holiday show, as is Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.” Many of Rembrandt’s great portraits would also qualify, and the finest works ever done by Rubens would neatly fit into a child’s knapsack. The creation of small works for many artists has been a device where the improbable becomes possible, an idea is tried or a risk is easily taken.

“Little Treasures – Big Rewards”assembles a group of artists all deliberately working in the small format. For Elizabeth Bisbing, the diminutive scale is her forte, where her collages take on the grandeur of Renaissance masters. For others, such as Vivian Wolovitz, whose large works easily command the viewer in any gallery space, in recent time she has found a rich and varied voice in the pocketsize, creating a deep space for the gravity of her painted atmosphere. Alex Queral continues to push the envelope incorporating recycled phone books. Ross Bonfanti utilizes concrete to warm the heart and surprise the senses. Susan B. Howard combines the political with the fanciful, sending a powerful message in a seemingly sweet package. Craig Cully reminds us of the Dutch master Franz Hals with his dazzling Hershey candies, while Caleb Weintraub demonstrates that the sweet world of contemporary children is a troubled place due to the modern obsession with war game technology. Frank Hyder demonstrates the experimental arena of the small works with examples from his perdido and rhythm series. F. Lennox Campello brings us his relentless salsa seasoned social commentaries, invigorating pencil and paper into a sword and shield bent on righting injustice wherever it is found.

In “Little Treasures – Big Rewards,”Projects introduces Canadian realist, Matthew Schofield, working in a diminutive scale using images from his childhood experiences. Zoe Spiliotis makes a debut with a formal spin on geometric linear explosive abstractions. Debra Van Tuinen from Portland, Oregon, serves up sensuous sky-like images made in encaustic that appear to be mixed with air. Projects also introduces Marcelo Suaznabar, a Bolivian artist currently living in Toronto, whose surrealistic vision presents a world where nothing is as it should be but often is more appealing than how things are. Amy Orr arrives for the first time at Projects with her imaginative up-cycled transformations, while E. Sherman Hayman returns with selections from her coffin series, loaded with meaning and too good to bury. This group exhibition puts the emphasis on the rewards, not the ruler, and packs a real punch.

“Little Treasures – Big Rewards”will be on display March 4 - 26, 2011. There will also be an artist’s reception First Friday March 4th from 5 - 9 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.

Upcoming Events

Durham Art Gallery May 12 to June 30, 2012
251 George Street East
Durham, ON Canada

Follow us on Twitter?

Find us on Facebook?

Past Events

The Artist Project Toronto 2012 Booth # 538 SHOW DATES: Thursday, March 1st to Sunday, March 4th, 2012 SHOW HOURS: Thursday: 7PM – 10PM (Opening Night, 19+ Event)* Friday: 12PM – 9PM Saturday: 11AM – 9PM Sunday:...
AAF Affordable Art Fair LOS ANGELES – JANUARY 18-22 Fair Hours Wed, Jan 18, 5pm - 7:30pm Exclusive Benefit Reception for Free Arts for Abused Children Wed, Jan 18, 7:30pm - 10pm Private Preview Party Thu, Jan 19, 12pm...
INDEX G Gallery Solo Show November 9 - December 18, 2011-09-07 Opening Reception Saturday November 19, 2011 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM Phone: 416-535-6957 50 Gladstone Avenue Toronto, ON M6J 3k6 (map) CANADA...
TIAFAIR 2011 Projects Gallery Philadelphia/Miami Dates and Locations Founded in 2000, Art Toronto is one of the most successful fairs in North America. Art Toronto is held annually at the Metro Toronto Convention...