The Greenwich Arts Council presents “Ex.is.ten.tial,” an art exhibit of sculpture, photography and painting, opening Thursday, May 26 at the Council’s Bendheim Gallery.
EXISTENTIAL brings together six artists working in a variety of media – sculpture, photography, painting – who choose to focus their art on the human condition. They share a decidedly philosophical approach to man’s place in the universe, both from the perspective of what an individual can expect to control and what is inevitably imposed by external conditions. While speculation about these ideas is as old as civilization itself, the twentieth century brought a new precision to “existentialism” as a more concrete literary and philosophical movement in which we all participate whether consciously or not.
Perhaps the most consistent theme pervading the work of all these artists’ is the idea of struggle. This is certainly the case with Fabio Mesa whose works feature streams of tiny figures aimlessly walking through vast spaces with no particular destination in sight. Migration perhaps – but to where?
Varda Yoran’s imposing sculptures carved in marble, quartz and cast acrylic are steeped in her personal experience of the Holocaust, and a life spent wandering to many different countries in the world. While definitely figural, they are at the same time abstract presences which tangibly draw the strength from within that is needed to overcome adversity. Another example of this kind of strength is the series of monochromatic works by Adam Handler. Created out of necessity in this format, with little money to purchase art materials, he would buy one color of oil paint at a time. This challenged the artist to simplify his work and focus on the most direct of gestures.
Other works in the exhibition feature artists who represent ways that various people have come to express their identity in the world, frequently through religious belief. Artists included in the show are: J.D. Durrans; Adam Handler; Fabio Mesa; Michael Thron; Hans Stoll; Varda Yoran.
EXISTENTIAL continues through June 16. Gallery hours are: Tues.-Fri. 10am-4pm; Sat.-Sun. Noon-5pm. Admission is free. The Greenwich Arts Council is located at 299 Greenwich Avenue. For more information call 203-862-6750, or go to www.greenwichartscouncil.org.
