Andrew Thiele presents a solo exhibition of new urban, mixed media collage works Moral Compass at Gallery 8, New York.
The exhibition of the New York based artist will feature over twenty new large-scale artworks. Throughout the show there will be a calendar of events including a workshop, a jazz performance and a book signing of Thiele’s newest publication.
The title Moral Compass is inspired by the compass as a symbol of navigation, in this case, the navigation of the artist in the artworld. In a world where gimmicks and vanity are a norm, in this show Thiele looks inside himself to discover the true purpose of his art.
Thiele’s work reflects the life surrounding him, and is greatly influenced by the city of New York. This is evident in the grit and textures taken from the urban decay of the city’s walls and the mixed media found objects such as torn posters and city signage. While each piece may take on different physical forms, there is a common underlying message of growth and self-reflection throughout. The works urge viewers to take a step back from the rat race of competitive city life and remember themselves, while also taking notice of those everyday aspects of life that might normally be forgotten.
Among the works are Checks, which consists of over 100 pairs of cut sneakers assembled onto the canvas and then painted. Through the centre runs a large gold Swoosh, but rather than be an homage to Nike, it is a representation of the artist’s journey. For Thiele the Nike logo is a checkmark – a symbol of getting things done and checking it off the list, therefore representing the voyage to the next level.
Other works draw attention to the US’s political situation, such as Liberty, a large-scale collage painting that reacts to the issue of mass incarceration that effects America daily.
The exhibition’s location and artist’s place of residence, Harlem, is also represented in works such as Gold Items. Gold items will be an installation of gold leafed found objects sourced in Harlem, from Café Bustelo cans to Hennessy bottles. Through turning the mundane objects gold, Thiele is asking viewers to revalue those things we take for granted.
