De Buck Gallery is pleased to announce Opulent Landscapes, an upcoming group exhibition featuring works by Jeppe Hein, Jeffrey Gibson, Sislej Xhafa, Robert Lazzarini, Gal Weinstein, Juan Garaizabal, Martin Kline, Fabian Marcaccio, Seren Morey, Nir Hod, Li Shurui and Will Ryman, curated by Rachel D. Vancelette. The exhibition will be on view from February 27 through May 26, 2017 with a public opening reception held at the gallery on Monday, February 27 from 6-8 PM.

Opulent Landscapes presents several exceptional artists who will examine themes related to dream-like realities and alternative architectural spaces both in real time and in altered computerized creations. Using concepts of optical distortion within their individual artistic practice, the active exercise of “hand versus machine” is revealed using a variety of materials, transporting the viewer’s visual experiences. Their creations alter 3D space and time, using lavish patterns of materiality and alternative elements, from slick surface painting to remarkable views of altered graphic relief.

Actionism is a newly coined term in today’s contemporary art field. These artists will explore their individual roles within this concept, by means of the ongoing dichotomy created by using manual and automatized creative process. The question of how to interpret the meaning of this term is posed to each artist, propelling a conversation into the current state of artist studios, and addressing creative historical perspectives on the use of computerized machines versus identity and handcraft.

Artworks’ materiality and on-going process now play a vital role in each artist’s studio practice and artistic statement. From the “handmade to the machine made”, the audience will see a shift in the perceived narrative of how each artwork was created. Examination of handmade traditions in artistic studio practice can now be removed from the actual materials process, and/or enhanced by classic, but computerized, methods of weaving, painting, printing and sculpture. From the beginning and end points of 3D printings, to the molded, cut, glued and colored patterns, the artist can trick the eye of the viewer at any moment. Gestures, lines, movement and materials all transport the audience to an unrestricted vision of multiple landscapes and dream-like adventures.

On the occasion of this exhibition, Ms. Vancelette will conduct interviews and a panel discussion forum investigating the term “Actionism” in contemporary practice of art studios today.