Opening Reception for “Three Dimensions,” Curated by Peg Alston
The Curator Gallery
Nov. 6, 2014, 06:00 pm
The Curator Gallery will be open late on Thursday, November 6th, from 6 – 8 p.m. to welcome Three Dimensions, curated by Peg Alston.
Featuring the work of Fred Hayes, Karen Powell and Todd Williams, the exhibition shines a light on three dynamic artists and offers an insider’s glimpse into Peg Alston’s long and illustrious career as the country’s foremost private art dealer specializing in works by African American artists. Three Dimensions opens on November 6th and runs through December 20th, 2014.
Peg Alston selected these three artists for their distinct and varied styles and points of view which come together to form Three Dimensions. “Each artist represents a sampling of art that has appealed to me throughout my career as an art dealer — those artists who have developed their own artistic language,” says Alston. “This exhibition serves to introduce the works of Fred Hayes, Karen Powell and Todd Williams to a wider audience and I applaud The Curator Gallery for providing this platform.”
Fred Hayes has received much recognition for his cityscapes as well as his portraits, both of which are on display in Three Dimensions. His cityscapes possess commanding architectural and lyrical qualities and his portraits display mastery in projecting mood and personality. Hayes’ portraits usually begin with an image — a photo on the internet, someone on TV, or even the memory of a person encountered while traveling through the city. From that starting point, they take on a life of their own rather than becoming exact representations. Hayes received his BFA and MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute and has shown his work in numerous forums, including the Drawing Center, the New Museum of Contemporary Art, The Addison Gallery of American Art, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Karen Powell, a native New Yorker currently living in Chicago, is also influenced by an urban environment, as depicted in many of her mixed-media collage paintings. The centerpieces of these works are vintage photographs, which serve to inspire the entire composition of each painting. The photograph evokes other image-related responses that she surrounds with colorful abstract backgrounds. The effect is a very contemporary use of a vintage photograph that exudes a personal and intimate appeal. Also featured are Powell’s abstract paintings, which are equally exciting. Powell received a BA from Fisk University before going on to the University of Chicago for graduate studies. She has exhibited in diverse galleries throughout the country.
Todd Williams, is a post-Modernist who was recognized as a sculptor four decades ago. He continues to express sculptural qualities in his mixed-media, two-dimensional wall constructions featured in Three Dimensions. He creates dynamic, textured surfaces with sculpted wooden forms, resulting in complex compositions that create optical illusions and the suggestion of movement. Williams helped break barriers when his work appeared in the Whitney’s 1971 group show, “Contemporary Black Artists in America,” a significant moment in the national arts scene. Williams’ sculptures can be seen in public places throughout New York City.
Peg Alston is the owner of Peg Alston Fine Arts. She emerged on the New York art scene in 1972, a time when interest in art by African Americans was limited. Thanks to her keen eye and taste, commitment to her specialty and dedication to educating the public through lectures and activism, she has played a pivotal role in cultivating an interest all around the country for investing in African American fine art. She has also formed close associations with many of today’s most important African American artists and is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades.
The Curator Gallery is a fine art gallery located on 23rd Street in Chelsea which collaborates with notable guest curators for each exhibition. Founded and underwritten by Ann S. Moore, the retired Chairman and CEO of Time Inc., the gallery’s mission is to bring exposure to hardworking artists, as well as to educate and expand the pool of engaged, serious collectors.
For more information, please contact Kris Connell at The Curator Gallery (212) 243-1806 or [email protected].