Meditation, Scalpels & Shotguns by Elizabeth Gregory-Gruen
Opening Reception Thursday, May 8th 6pm-9pm
Ivy Brown Gallery is proud to announce Elizabeth Gregory-Gruen’s upcoming exhibition Meditation, Scalpels & Shotguns.
Gregory-Gruen’s CUT WORK is an evolving examination of emotion using original imagery created in a free hand cut action technique employing a surgeon’s scalpel. Though seemingly perfect and symmetrical at first glance, the original images are cut with no guide, defined by authentic energy of the free hand cutting. The reverse-relief effect is achieved by first cutting what will become the top layer of paper, with each subsequent sheet layered and cut individually. About her process, Gregory-Gruen says, “It is visceral. A meditation. Imperfection is perfect.”
In describing her influences and development of her process and perspective, Gregory-Gruen uses conflict and contrast, control and freedom, to play together dynamically. Explaining further she says, ” I use my meditative concentration combined with the knowledge of absolute freedom to follow my subconscious and create what appears as tightly controlled and planned work. I enjoy the irony.”
In a further ironic twist, Gregory-Gruen has subjected some of these delicate reliefs to the dramatic and violent treatment of the shots from a 12 gauge shotgun. The effect is a bracing shock to the viewer, due not only to the ragged and violated appearance, but also to the process implied by the result. The comparison between the intact works and those that have been subjected to the firing range is remarkable.
The exhibition, consisting of Gregory-Gruen’s intricate, engaging, works in paper, leather, and metal will be on view at Ivy Brown Gallery through June 9th, 2014. Call or email to view the series with the artist and gallery owner. Ivy Brown Gallery * 675 Hudson Street 4th floor* NYC NY 10014 * t. 212 925 1111 * e. ivy@oneegg.net * www.ivybrowngallery.org
