A Trip with Mr. Essl

It was a privilege to travel to Marfa, Texas with Mr. Essl, founder of the Essl Museum in Vienna. Last week he and wife Agnes who have been collecting together for fifty years made the announcement that their entire collection of 6,000 plus paintings and art objects will be given to the Albertina Museum, Vienna for a twenty-five year loan and will be on continuous display starting the fall of 2018 at the newly renovated Künstler Haus, annexed to the Albertina. 

It has been an honor to engage with their collection on several levels, especially being invited to curate the “New.NewYork” exhibition there in 2012. Their passion for collecting and working with artists has been a great inspiration to me and we have been able to enjoy dozens of studio visits together over the years on several different continents. It was fascinating to immerse myself in Judd’s vision for a second time; even thought I have seen his work in many different contexts, seeing his comprehensive vision played out at the Donald Judd and Chinati Foundation is just profound. The idea of leaving an art work in a permanent environment, not moving or changing anything in his studios, as well as being lit by daylight only, is a striking contrast to the transitory life many of us live. 

After the experiencing the Donald Judd and Chinati Foundation tours, Mr. Essl and I drove south along the Mexican border, which follows the Rio Grande for about fifty miles. The beautiful landscape of the Big Bend National Park has many stops and hiking trails with interesting views. The stunning desert landscape is a timeless, apt setting for Judd’s vision. Time will tell where and how the new wall will affect this gorgeous terrain, not to mention how it will impact the local communities and our country at large. 

Back in New York, we transitioned to the frantic environment of the art fairs: The Armory Show, Art on Paper, Volta, NADA, The Independent and Spring Break. So great to be among friends and explore new art from around the world. It really does feel like we travel in packs. Always great to connect with artists, curators and collectors working in different parts of the world. Please say hi to Mr Essl and I at ART Basel Hong Kong coming up in a few weeks! 

The highlight of Mr. Essl trip was our being warmly welcomed at the Ayn Foundation at Mana Contemporary by Fred Moeller. We toured the wonderful long term display of Arnulf Rainer’s ‘Angels and Crosses’, as well as early silkscreens by Andy Warhol from the Das Maximum and Ayn Foundation. It was also a rare treat to see John Chamberlain color photographs from the early 1990’s. Our visit included an impromptu meeting with architect Richard Meier, designer of the otherworldly Getty Museum, Los Angeles at his company archive. Mr. Meier’s presence as he described and talked about some of his favorite models, was truly enriching and a once in a lifetime experience! 

Richard Meier Archive, Mana Contemporary

Various project models at the Richard Meier Archive, Mana Contemporary

Mr. Karlheiz Essl and Mr. Richard Meier

Landing in El Paso, Texas

Road trip to Marfa, Texas

PRADA store by Elmgreen and Dragset in Valentine, Texas

Chinati Foundation grounds, Marfa, Texas

Downtown, Marfa, Texas

The historic Hotle Paisano, Marfa, Texas

Big Bend National Park, Texas

John Silvis and Mr. Karlheinz Essl on the Rio Grande, bordering Mexico

Rico Gatson solo presentation at Ronald Feldman Fine Art, The Armory Show NYC

New work by Haffendi Anuar, Richard Koh Fine Art at Volta NY

Cross painting by Arnulf Rainer, Ayn Foundation, Mana Contemporary

Andy Warhol silkscreens at the Ayn Foundation, Mana Contemporary

Mr. Karlheinz Essl and John Silvis at the Ayn Foundation, Mana Contemporary

Topographical model of the Getty Museum site, Richard Meier Archive, Mana Contemporary

John Silvis, WSJ journalist Kelly Crow Hayes and Mr. Karlheinz Essl at The Armory Show NY Pier 92. Background: Work on canvas by Jun Kaneko

John Silvis, Mr. Karlheinz Essl and art critic Linda Yablonsky

Rico Gatson and Mr. Karlheinz Essl, Ronald Feldman Fine Art, The Armory Show NY

Jude Broughan

Broughan manipulates her photographs visually and physically, subtly shifting the emphasis of personal and quotidian imagery in some works, referencing the language of commercial imagery in others. Her use of stitching—a strategy informed by Warhol’s “Sewn Photographs”—inserts shots distinguished by their immediacy into carefully composed arrangements, the thread dividing our attention between the physicality of the art object and the patterning of its surface. By also cutting holes or apertures in her works’ supports, Broughan refers to the mechanics (and limitations) of photography, digital manipulation, and vision itself, and alludes to our seemingly innate tendency to edit. As New Zealand artist and critic Peter Dornauf writes, this “exposes the constructed nature of the subject while also providing a simulation of depth, which seems like the contradiction it actually is. Such incongruity and paradox is the essence of this artist’s practice.”

Agus Suwage

The exhibition’s title, Room of Mine, suggests that the new works have a highly personal focus, offering a glimpse into the artist’s own studio, and by extension into his own inner world. The exhibition concentrates on only one medium–paper–which Suwage describes as “still the most intimate material” for him. With a series of large-scale watercolors and an extraordinary group of paper mâché sculptural works, he reveals aspects of his studio space—his work table, library and bedroom—as well as a wide array of images that continue to haunt him, whether taken from the works of renowned Indonesian painters of the past, from contemporary mass media, or from his own earlier work. Appropriation, particularly of his own work, is a central, ongoing strategy for Suwage, a process of recycling and recontextualizing that parallels the cycle of life and death that has been an underlying theme throughout his career, and which is grounded in the spiritual traditions of Java’s ancient Hindu-Buddhist culture. Suwage’s mixed Chinese Javanese heritage, and his experience as a Christian convert to Islam, have informed his approach to cultural pluralism and religious syncretism. His works have often made critiques—sometimes pointed, sometimes veiled—of various forms of intolerance and of the attempt to impose a single rigid, monolithic structure on society, whether by Indonesia’s authoritarian Suharto regime (1966-98) or more recently by the rise of a fundamentalist strain of Islam in Indonesia. Burning fires and the specter of violence recur in many of the works in the exhibition, creating a somber mood that is leavened by humor and an irreverent spirit of self-mockery and irony. Suwage is a master watercolorist, and the works shimmer with vibrant color delineated by boldly assured line drawing, the use of textual components, and startling juxtapositions of images–all hallmarks of his early training in graphic design.

Singapore Adventure

This year I had the privilege of attending Art Stage Singapore and loved every aspect of the trip. Many thanks to my wonderful hosts, artist Jason Wee, Grey Projects, and collectors Ryan Su and Adrian Chan. Singapore is the best place to explore food from all over Asia, as well as some amazing Western restaurants. Ryan and Adrian's memorable collectors dinner at Long Chim in the Marina Bay Sands was legendary for both its food and incredible art world characters. (And hanging orchids!).

In addition to attending the Art Stage art fair representing mostly Asian galleries, there were numerous art events: poetry readings, film screenings and performances throughout the city in conjunction with Singapore Art Week.

Capturing the spirit of week, the public art event “After Dark” at the Gillman Barracks drew thousands of young people from Singapore on Friday night, who came out to view the gallery open houses, open studios and special programming at the NTU CCA. This included a spectacular strange and magical fashion show performance by Indieguerillas and Lulu Lutfi Labibi, performance and fashion designers from Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

An exhibition highlight included a beautifully curated show “Shared Coordinates” at Arts House organized by Edouard Malingue Gallery, Roh Projects and Silverlens Galleries featuring 10 artists from their respective programs. 

During the week I met some wonderful artists and explored their work in more depth. Here are some of the new artists I saw:

Sookoon Ang

Haffendi Anuar

Anthony Chin

Fx Harsono

Geraldine Kang

Simon Ng

Sherman Ong

Guo-Liang Tan

Kenneth Tay

Jimmy Ong

"After Dark" event at the Gillman Barracks

"Straight Edges" by Syagini Ratna Wulan at Ace House, Shared Coordinates exhibition

"Alpha" by Syagini Ratna Wulan at Art House, Shared Coordinates exhibition

"Ganga" by Jakkai Siributr at Yavuz Gallery, Singapore

Htein Lin at Yavuz Gallery, Singapore

Oil painting by Kanchana Gupta, Richard Koh Gallery, Singapore

Tromarama at Art Stage Singapore collectors exhibition

"This Thing" #12, 2016 by Faisal Habibi

Haffendi Anuar at Richard Koh Gallery, Art Stage Singapore

Mulyana, new work, Art Porters booth, Art Stage Singapore

"Think The (Whole) World Revolves Around You" 2015 by Arin Dwihartanto Sunaryo at Ace House, Shared Coordinates Exhibition

Htein Lin at Yavuz Gallery, SIngapore

"Masks" Htein Lin at Yavuz Gallery, Singapore

"Download" 2013 by Jakkai Siributr at Yavuz Gallery, Singapore

"Masks" Htein Lin at Yavuz Gallery, Singapore

Adrian Chan and Ryan Su at NTU CCA "After Dark" fashion show by Lulu Lutfi Labibi, Yogajakarta

NTU CCA "After Dark" fashion show by Lulu Lutfi Labibi, Yogajakarta

Dr. Melani Setiawan at NTU CCA "After Dark" fashion show by Lulu Lutfi Labibi, Yogajakarta

Adrian Chan, Melani Setiawan and Ryan Su at NTU CCA "After Dark" fashion show by Lulu Lutfi Labibi, Yogajakarta

Rebecca at NTU CCA "After Dark" fashion show by Lulu Lutfi Labibi, Yogajakarta

Indie Guerillas at NTU CCA "After Dark" with fashion show by Lulu Lutfi Labibi, Yogajakarta

NTU CCA "After Dark" fashion show by Lulu Lutfi Labibi, Yogajakarta

NTU CCA fashion workshop with Lulu Lutfi Labibi, Yogajakarta

Tiong Bahru neighborhood, Singapore

Marina Bay Sands shopping center

Sumptuous and beautiful setting for Adrian Chan and Ryan Su's collector dinner at Long Chim, Marina Bay Sands

John Silvis and Partick Sun at Art Stage Singapore

NTU CCA fashion workshop with Lulu Lutfi Labibi, Yogajakarta with Ute Meta Bauer, Adrian Chan, John Silvis, Ryan Su,

Skywoman's Secret Circuit

It has been a privilege to observe Robin Kang’s work over the last eight years. Her fascination with patterns and layered imagery, evident in her early images in photography and printmaking, has evolved into an exploration of technology as it relates to contemporary textiles. The new body of work presented in her first solo exhibition features a video work and beautiful Jacquard woven tapestries that build on the history of ancient weaving and continue the lineage of modernist artists such as Anni Albers and Gunta Stölzl. Their early Bauhaus tapestries, incorporating avant-garde design ideas with an exploration of new materials, are catalytic conceptual and visual references for Kang. Her work acknowledges the history of the loom and its relationship to early computing machines while looking forward to contemporary media and digital technology.

Part of a new generation of artists whose practice relies on digital processes, Kang’s work layers the worlds of textiles, design, and electronics. She uses a semi-automated Jacquard loom—a contemporary version of the first binary-operated machine and precursor to early computers—to simulate industrial production through repetition and pattern formation. These textiles use core memory chips and circuit boards as visual reference points, which she translates into colorful and energetic woven tableaus that push the boundaries of the picture plane. She combines Photoshop brush-gestures with spiritual symbols sourced from ancient weaving traditions to connect the traditions of weaving, mechanical production, and contemporary glitch aesthetics.

The largest woven tapestry in this exhibition employs eight layers of thread with a sculpture double cloth technique. Kang produced this piece in the Netherlands at the Audax TextielMuseum’s TextielLab, which uses digital mechanisms to blur the lines between computer science, data visualization, and textile design. Kang’s energetic compositions embody her complete dedication to her practice. As she explores universal themes using the language of textile, she creates a fresh, contemporary aesthetic with profound visual appeal. 

Robin's current show is on view at OUTLET until November 6, 2016.

Franz Erhad Walther

FRANZ ERHAD WALTHER
Call to Action
On View at The Power Plant, Toronto, Canada.

I have been following the work of German artist Franz Erhard Walther for several years now…the conceptual framework of his work has been an important position in looking at the current movement of artists working in textile. I started following his work more closely after a fantastic one person show at DIA: Beacon in 2010. It was a pleasure meeting him in person at the 2015 Art Basel Untitled edition, where he performed with his “Wallformation, Gelbmodellierung, 1980-81.”

My recent trip to Toronto included Walther’s “Call to Action” exhibition at The Power Plant, which features parts of the “Werksatz” also exhibited at DIA. This group of textile objects were conceived to be activated by the audience, resulting in new relationships of space, object and the human body. The works spans the mediums of sculpture, drawing and video but almost always requires some participation from the viewer in order to mold material form.

“Call to Action” presents several facets of Walther’s interest in how live in the everyday, what decisions we make with our minds and bodies; in the exhibition we also see several letters of the alphabet that are created as soft sculpture. His interest in breaking down the relationships between the work and the viewer was first conceptualized in 1963 with this piece “Werksatz.”

“Werksatz 1963-1969,” invites visitors to follow the instructions given for each piece and activate various elements of the sculpture in order to physically experience the work through their participation.

In Paris, Walther is represented by Galerie Jocelyn Wolff and has become one of Germany’s seminal artists, producing work that expands the discussion of contemporary art practices.

Indonesia – Collectors and Galleries

It was such a pleasure to meet some wonderful collectors on my first day in Jakarta. I am so impressed with dedication of the collectors I met; many of them actively visit artist studios in Jakarta, Bandung and Yogyakarta. The gallery system is dominated by artist run spaces and therefore have fluctuating programs. The strongest and most memorable gallery experience was at Roh Projects, founded and directed by Junior Tirtadji. Definitely a gallery to watch!

Deborah Iskandar–an outstanding art advisor and collector–was my host in Indonesia and was an amazing guide the art scene in Jakarta and Bandung. Her knowledge of both the history of Indonesian art and and the contemporary art scene is outstanding. Deborah comes from a background in the Asian auctions market and has a broad knowledge of the field. Like many of other collectors I met, she is personally connected to many of the artists I saw and supports them at the beginning of their careers. (pictured with sculptor Faisal Habibi)

Through Deborah, I was introduced to several of the key players in the art scene. Highlights of this group–Dr. Melani Setiawan and Deddy Kusuma–are both heavily involved in curating and creating content around their collected artists. Dr. Setiawan is working on publishing a personal collection of over 40,000 photos taken in the Indonesian art world. Kusuma has personally exhibited Indonesian artists at Art Paris and has sponsored many international study trips for artists. It seems that encouraging and mentoring is huge part of the culture; it some thing unique that others can learn from. I heard many stories from the artists about the way the collectors support and inspire them. For more information on the galleries in Indonesia, I recommend researching them on IndoArtNow as the best resource.

Indonesia – Artists

Yogyakarta and Bandung are the most saturated art cities in Indonesia and home to dozens of established and emerging contemporary artists working across all mediums. During my brief stay I was able to explore this work in some depth with the help of collectors Deborah Iskandar, Natasha Siddarta and Melani Setiawan. Many of the artists have incredibly active and prolific art careers within Indonesia, however are not often featured in the international art press. Many of the artists have formed collectives and taken the role of gallerist into their own hands. I was really moved and impressed with the dedication of the artists I met; the work is highly collectible and explored work by photographers, sculptors, painters, mixed media, visionary puppeteers and textile artists. It hard to summarize and portray all the wonderful encounters during the trip, but here is a brief look at some of the artists and their work.

Afil Wijaya is a photographer and was an excellent guide to discovering some of the great artiss and galleries in the city of Yogyakarta. In addition to creating his own work, he also works for IndoArtNow which proved to be one of the best resources to research contemporary Indonesian artists. With an eye for visual puns, Afil's images are almost always equal parts pointed cultural criticism and humor.

It was a real privilege to meet AD Pirous at his home and studio in Bandung; he is definitely an important figure in understanding the evolution of contemporary art in Indonesia, a must see! Pirous has had a unique voice as a Muslim artist who uses text in different kinds of fonts to express his ideas. His influences range from traditional painting to more conceptual work from the sixties and seventies.

Iwan Effendi's work is magical. His puppets wear their hearts on their sleeves. Their ruddy cheeks, and knobby joints make them appear oddly life like. Effendi is a master of staging and production, the clips of performances are breathtaking in their use of light, music, sound and choreography. It is totally different than anything I have seen in puppetry. The nuance of each puppet shows the relationship Iwan has developed with these creatures. In addition he is also an incredible drawer and painter. His exhibitions are usually immersive installation that are created on site in the space.

Angki Purbandono's scanography has a really fascinating artistic constraint. By using the scanner, each item presents itself as a miniature sculpture or totem inspected under a microscope. Within this kind of micro-investigation, Purbandono's work has a meaningful dialogue between contemporary experience and European-colonial scientific investigation. He has created residencies and exhibition opportunities for younger artists, as well as one of the founding members of the leading photography collective in Indonesia, Mes56.

Uji Hahan's sculptures and paintings are charged with whimsy. Though clearly in dialogue with graffiti and cartoon illustration, Hahan's characters have a feeling of weight to them that is fundamentally different than street art. He has been widely exhibited and is one of founders of ACE House in Yogyakarta. illustration.

I spent a wonderful morning chatting with Nia Fliam at Babaran Segaragunung Culture House. She and her husband Agus Ismoyo have created a wonderful collaborative practice that is rooted in traditional Javanese Batique and the ancient mythologies of the culture. Their textile is invested in educating and empowering young artists in the traditions of Batique while interpreting through a contemporary lens. Nia and Agus are fantastic textile artists who are also working in creating contemporary forms that feel quite relevant in the larger discussion of textile and fine art. 

Visiting Vietnam

This April, I took my first trip to Vietnam during a quick tour of art in Asia. My home base in Vietnam was Ho Chi Minh City, which I loved for its many rivers and lush greenery. I truly enjoyed the energy of the city and the warm weather that came with it. During my 5* day stay, I was able to explore the local art scene, meeting with wonderful Vietnamese collectors and visiting artist studios and galleries.  It was great to visit the most prominent galleries in the City and understand the challenges they face with their programming. There is an amazing community of artists throughout the city. Fashion designer Thuy Nguyen is a brilliant example of a vibrant young powerhouse within the community. I met with Thuy and visited her brand new multi-purpose art space, "The Factory". The art scene is relatively discreet and it may be pure coincidence that I bumped into an old acquaintance, Trong Nguyen.  Trong is an artist/curator who used to live in New York City and has since relocated to Vietnam. Small world! 

Some noteworthy artists from my trip:

Dinh Q Le | www.ppowgallery.com/artist/dinh-q-le/

Dinh Q Le is a Vietnamese cross-disciplinary artist, educated and trained in New York. His work involves detailed photo-weaving, installation, found objects and has been exhibited in museums around the world. The weaving technique alludes to Le's Vietnamese culture and often allows him to combine opposing themes with beauty and intention. 

Thao Nguyen Phan | www.thaonguyenphan.com

Thao Nguyen Phan is a young artist working in Ho Chi Minh City. She works across various mediums such as painting, drawing and sculpture. 

Phi Long Le | http://philongart-studio.blogspot.com/

Phi Long Le is a Vietnamese artist working in mixed media. With a promising career ahead of him, Le continues to make informed work about social issues through extensive research. 

Hugo McCloud

Hugo McCloud’s paintings integrate roofing supplies, tar, steel plates and custom metal work, as well as various other construction materials to create new, rugged compositions. His process oriented work relies on these kinds of ‘real life’ substances combined with textural stamps, which create a cohesive texture between otherwise dissonant materials. His works propose a new idea of beauty that references the history of abstract painting. McCloud’s practice also includes sculpture based on elemental forms of rectangles and squares; unlike more minimalist art objects, his shapes relate to the mechanized, mass produced containers in our contemporary economy. McCloud’s thought process draws inspiration from Instagram images, and revisits the celebration of ordinary objects by artists like Michelangelo Pistoletto and his colleagues in the Arte Povera movement. He is represented by Sean Kelly in New York and Luce Gallery in Turin, Italy.

John's Texas Roadtrip

A few notes from my trip to Texas. I found it extremely engaging and refreshing to explore art outside of the concrete jungle that is New York City. It was absolutely magnificent to see such thriving art communities in Marfa, Houston and San Antonio. Marfa is truly a mesmerizing and unique place!

MARFA, TX

Ayn Foundation

Established in 1993 with the formation of the Arnulf Rainer Museum in New York City, the Ayn Foundation is committed to comprehensive, large-scale projects by major international artists for presentation to the public.

From "The Last Supper" by Andy Warhol, on view at The Ayn Foundation.

Judd Foundation

Judd Foundation holds and maintains artist Donald Judd's private living and working spaces in Marfa, Texas. Comprised of a total of 15 spaces, these properties include studios installed with artwork by Judd and others, living quarters, ranch and architecture offices, and libraries.

Chinati Foundation

The Chinati Foundation/La Fundación Chinati is a contemporary art museum based upon the ideas of its founder, Donald Judd. The specific intention of Chinati is to preserve and present to the public permanent large-scale installations by a limited number of artists. 

SAN ANTONIO, TX

Artpace

Artpace was founded by artist, collector, and businesswoman Linda Pace (1945-2007) in 1993 and opened to the public in 1995. Pace conceived of Artpace as a laboratory of dreams, providing artists from all over the world with an environment that would encourage experimentation and growth.

Lawrence Markey

In September of 2005 the gallery relocated from New York's Upper East Side to its current location in San Antonio, Texas. After 25 years our program remains committed to the artists with whom we worked in New York, along with artists shown since our move to Texas which include Karl Benjamin, James Castle, Rudolf de Crignis, Charlotte Dumas, Paul Mogensen,Lawrence Weiner and John Zurier.

Ruiz-Healy Art

Ruiz-Healy Art was incorporated in 2004, and after working for several years strictly by appointment, the gallery opened their public space in September 2013 at their current location, 210-A East Olmos Drive. Since its inception, Ruiz-Healy Art has mounted over sixty gallery exhibitions and published numerous catalogues.

HOUSTON, TX

Contemporary Art Museum Houston

The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston is a non-collecting institution dedicated to presenting the best and most exciting international, national, and regional art. Through dynamic exhibitions accompanied by scholarly publications and accessible educational programs, the Museum reaches out to local, regional, national, and international audiences of various ages.

David Shelton Gallery

David Shelton Gallery showcases a vigorous program narrative that transcends contemporary political, social, cultural and gender issues. While several of the artists represented have a national and international presence, the gallery also represents mid-career and emerging artists.

Cindy Lisica

Cindy Lisica Gallery brings fresh talent and top-notch programming to the thriving Houston Museum District. 

Menil Collection

The Menil Collection is an art museum located in Houston, Texas, USA, in a 30-acre neighborhood of art. Known for displays that allow the objects and works of art to speak for themselves—there are no “didactics” on the wall or media in the galleries—the Menil philosophy is to foster each individual’s direct, personal encounter with works of art. The display of carefully chosen artworks in sympathetic settings are Menil hallmarks.

Houston Museum of Fine Art

Located in the heart of Houston's Museum District, the MFAH is a dynamic cultural complex comprising two gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, visitors center, library, movie theater, gift shop, café, two art schools, and two house museums.

Zebadiah Keneally

Zebadiah Keneally’s work feels like 1990s Nickelodeon, Monty Python, and Portlandia. Zebadiah’s work crisscrosses between multiple mediums and subject matters. At first glance the work seems rooted in an absurdity, but upon closer investigation realize that he is actually addresses existential themes and topic through his whimsical performances and cartoony creations. By focusing on a seemingly simplistic elements of the human experience, Keneally uses his work to address deeper questions about life and God by poking fun at what we consume. Though he whole heartedly embraces absurd humor, his use of images of everyday objects, weird fabricated props and backdrops, cleverly addresses the big questions in life. A key image like “Hamburger Vampire” has evolved into a complex mythology that sets the stage for the world his characters live in. With the mainstream successes of programs like Adventure Time, Gravity Falls, and Doctor Who, thoughtful absurdism like Keneally’s joins an exciting conversation that is meaningful to contemplate. 

Keneally's solo exhibition at OUTLET Fine Art opens Friday, February 12, 2016.

Opening Reception: Friday, February 12 | 7PM - 10PM