The Dot Project’s last show, (‘Searching for Magic and the Distorted Image Falling From your I-Cloud’, 5th May- 9th July), explored the use of digital technology as a medium for contemporary Artists. Now the Gallery is reflecting on a more traditional material, and the basis of art practice: Paper.
There is often nothing more terrifying than the overwhelming possibilities the blank white page can present. As the bedrock of a studio, being such a versatile medium, paper underpins creation. Yet despite the increasing digitisation, it is still a staple in everyday life.
‘In Paper we Trust’ will examine the initial working process of the emerging, mid-career, and established artists and how the start can be viewed as the finish. All works included are unique, and have been created for this exhibition or discovered directly from the artists studio archives. The choice to expose the underdrawing in the finished work is a monumental decision not easily made. A sketch or doodle provides a fascinating insight into the artistic mind. The mental attitude is somehow a little freer when working on paper. There is not the same pressure of the frame, commanding a finished product, felt when working on canvas.
Paper’s plasticity engenders it as a suitable foundation for self-expression. The included works will cover a large breadth: abstract, figurative, and even conceptual pieces, as well as proposed sketches, text-based work, painting, drawing, prints and collage.
Before industrialism made the mass production of paper a throw away commodity, it was a luxury few could afford. Once again it is becoming a rarity with the dominance of the digital screen; or is it....? So lets go back to the basics and put our trust in paper again.
The show will include works by the following artists: Emma Apicelli, Ellen Berkenblit, Judith Bernstein, Armin Boehm, Joe Bradley, Matthew F Fisher, Philip Hinge, Aaron Elvis Jupin, Koak, Tomasz Kowalski, Joel Kyack, José Lerma, Sharon Madanes, JJ Manford, Bruna Massadas, Robert Nicol, Nick Payne, Brad Phillips, Felix Francisco Quintana, Peter Saul, Peter Schenck, Ryan Schneider, Bailey Scieszka, Michael Swaney, Austyn Weiner, Rose Wylie.
Curated by Sara Clarken and Kwaku Boateng.