FIRST MATTER
New York, November 1, 2018. GR gallery is proud to present “First Matter”, a mesmerizing show featuring internationally known artists Dylan Gebbia-Richards, Matthew Shlian and Mara Fabbro, whose work advance the discourse around the exploration of new materials and unique techniques, capable to give birth to magical compositions, that push abstract art beyond the boundaries. This exhibition will showcase 15 mesmerizing artworks, cornerstones from the artists archives to fresh pieces, appositely conceived for this occasion.
Opening reception: Wednesday November 28, 6:00pm – 9:00pm (Exhibition Dates: November 29th2018 – January 19th, 2019) Members of the press can contact GR gallery in advance to schedule a private viewing and/or an interview with the artists.
GR Gallery, 255 Bowery (btw Houston & Stanton) New York, NY 10002
“FIRST MATTER” aims to highlight the exclusive aesthetic approach to abstract and geometric art pursued by the three artists and their cutting edge interpretations of the artistic area. They are able to completely abandon the idea of the traditional flat surface and media and redesign the concept of textured art by experimenting the use of uncommon substances and materials. Like in Alchemy, starting from the primitive formless base, usually dedicated to other uses, they are able to create enchanting three dimensional art pieces. With completely different visual and aesthetic developments, the artists lead to a deep and unique discussion about innovation and tradition in nature and contemporary society.
The show also intent to exhibit the artistic output of artists who not only share an affinity for a strong dynamism and a cutting edge style, but primary tent to depict the vibrating and undetermined power that rules the nature, the movement of the world and ends to reflect on the everyday life.
The exhibition puts together 15 recent artworks, including paintings on canvas and wood, works on paper and sculptors, executed between 2012 and 2017, engaging in a conversation about the infinite possibilities through which the power of astral nature interacts with one another.
Matt Shlian (American, 1980) His work is derived from the intersection between art and science, where Shlian uses engineering skills and the aid of scientists at the University of Michigan to create intricate, geometric paper structures. While the process of executing each work is contingent upon precise measurements and a definitive degree of planning, Shlian describes that often, his final products are conceived from flaws that occur as the work is coming together. He engages with paper in a way that imbues movement into a material often associated with two dimensionality; the finished products are kinetic both for their visual dynamics and in the way the folds physically project from the background.
Mara Fabbro (Italian, 1978). She studied and worked on her own for years, experimenting a personalized mixed medium technique that portrays her ideas of painted visual art. The works are made with a sandy paste that first spread and manipulated with her hands, spatulas and other instruments and then colored. The choice of this medium is determined by her desire to create a “living” work with a strong communicative impact. The inspiration and motivation of her work comes from the world of Nature. She explores the relationship between Man and Nature that has always been in a precarious balance and difficult, now more and more complex and unbreakable and therefore requires attention and responsible choices and global involvement.
Dylan Gebbia-Richrads (American, 1992).His sculptural installations result in surreal landscapes that compare to a hyper realistic, microscopic version of the natural world. Creating a ubiquitous body of work by augmenting our perception, Gebbia-Richards’ works’ envelops its audience as they find themselves engaged within a new and dynamic sensory network. Nature plays an important part in Gebbia Richards’ work- used as a basis for juxtaposition to deliver a transcendent effect on the viewer. Scale, colour and form are used to create an inviting, synthetic environment in which the organic is shrouded in an artificial cover. Gebbia Richard’s artistic process is based on combining broad experimentation and focused skilled refinement, which involves melting paraffin wax and combining it with pigments to form a textured landscape.
Contact/ Press enquiries: info@gr-gallery.com
Visitor Information: Tue- Sat 12:00pm – 7:00pm