PRESS: BIG WORKS

Local Artists Think Big at Robert Lange Studios

CHARLESTON, South Carolina (January 18, 2006)— Opening on February 3, BIG Works 2006 is an assemblage of large works created by well-known Charleston artists.

Robert Lange Studios Fine Art Gallery will present the BIG Works 2006 exhibit through February 28. In contrast to the belief that better things come in small packages, this exhibit parades the belief that bigger is better. Without the constraints of size, the work that graces the gallery walls has the potential to be some of these artists most liberated.

All of the artists chosen for the show are active fine art painters and photographers using a variety of styles, colors, mediums and subject matter. For this show, each artist submitted one to two pieces that represent their stylistic approach to art, and most importantly, their ability to think big.

“After the success of “Small Works” last year we wanted to have a show that could again bring some talented artists from around town together,” said Robert Lange, artist and gallery owner. “We needed a new theme to tie them all together; why not big?”

For the show, the gallery will display large works no smaller than 36-by-36 inches. The large-scale works allow collectors and art aficionados a chance to buy ambitious works by some of their favorite artists.

Participating artists include Robert Lange, John Duckworth, Wade Lawrence and J.B. Boyd of Robert Lange Studios, Fred Jamar of Charles II Fine Art, and Kevin Harrison of Sanmar Gallery. Others including but not limited to Megan Aline, Nance Lee Sneddon and American Impressionist Kevin Laprince of the Wells Gallery, may also be featured.

“This show is a testament to the true nature and camaraderie of the galleries around Charleston,” said Robert Lange.

Each artist’s unique style will be on display. For Robert Lange, two canvases greater in size than anything he has tackled to date will display his signature use of stark light and rich shadow in the sometimes playful, sometimes serious contrast between appearance and reality.

Through the manipulation of images of real life, some artists manage to create a realm of imagination that offers us temporary respite from reality while satisfying our need for fantasy. John Duckworth belongs to this category of artist. Grounded on the soil of everyday life in traditionalist Charleston, his works transport the viewers through time and space. Standing in front of John’s photographs, one is often tickled by a sense of curiosity: How does he do that? John's traditional images of sunsets and marshes transformed into contemporary abstractions form a harmonious mélange, which blurs the boundaries of photography and painting.

J.B. Boyd, who recently received national recognition for his Africa series, decided to create two paintings for Big Works 2006. Both paintings display Boyd’s ability to capture the tranquility of life’s transitory moments. Boyd’s first painting created for the show is titled “Red Stakes” and is 80-by-25 inches. It depicts a panoramic view of the marsh between John’s and Kiawah Islands at dusk. The second is a 60-by-60 inch painting, which captures clouds dissipating over the ocean.

Wade Lawrence seeks to use photography to transcend pure reportage. His images are more about the abstract qualities within the frame—the arrangement of the shapes; the textures; the blurring of figure and ground; the implied motion and balance. “ When a photograph is not simply a picture of something but a composition that evokes emotion at a deeper level, then, and only then, have I accomplished what I have set out to do,” said Lawrence.

Fred Jamar’s work embodies the whimsical nature of life in Charleston and has multiple effects. First, there is the sheer physical presence of his larger paintings with bold colors, which lead viewers into a magical world. Second, the images are familiar sites, which give the viewer a feeling of comfort. For Big Works 2006 Jamar will have two paintings, a 60-by-40 inch vertical piece and a 48-by-72 inch horizontal work.

Like Jamar, Kevin Harrison uses rich color palettes and local sites, only in a completely unique way. Harrison’s fish-eyed views of city streets are often created with fanatical vigor. Invariably, as the viewer is brought into Harrison’s microcosms of nostalgic Charleston, reality is apprehended at the moment of its disappearance. Harrison, known for creating larger works, will be a perfect fit with at least one piece in the show.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. Come enjoy Music by Josh, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and wine from 6 to 9 p.m. on February 3, 2006.

Digital images are available upon request. Contact Megan Sobchuk at (843) 805-8052 or info@robertlangestudios.com.