JoAnne Artman Gallery is pleased to present, Lineage, an exhibition that focuses attention on the intersection of decorative and functional elements of contour and linear stylization. Addressing the fundamental component of the line within artistic composition, Lineage explores the possibilities of perspective, volume, and interaction of planes. Suggesting the line as both a fluid material and conceptual device, these artists highlight their ability to create works that uniquely define the space around them. Using divergent forms of display, artists Matt Devine, Anthony Hunter, and Adriana Oliver’s works compliment one another in color, form, and in their parallel explorations of linear gesture. Merging form and content, their linear constructions exemplify the expressive potential of line.

Matt Devine’s sculptures explore lines as a pliable medium and point of departure. Emphasizing the use of line as multidimensional, Devine takes dissected pieces of sheet metal and transforms the industrial materials into organic patterns and shapes. As Devine works with aluminum, steel, and paint, he saves leftover pieces from earlier sculptures to generate the next step in his process, recycling and seamlessly transitioning to the next piece. His minimalist aesthetic and color palette serve to reinforce the strength of the forms, highlighting the inner balance and order within the works. Focusing on line to guide the compositions, Devine investigates the tensions of visual and psychological boundaries, as well the continuation of line through his fluid process.

Anthony Hunter’s direct and physical engagement with his materials allows line and color to stand-alone and to function independently of form. Replete with lively and flickering lines, blobs, drips, and drizzles, Hunter creates a defined sense of movement and action. Infusing velocity and improvisation into the artistic process, the resulting linear marks tease the viewers’ eyes with their abrupt punctuations. Creating focal points, the line stylization reflects a tight rein, as he manages the flow with a practiced hand in his chosen, glossy oil-based medium. The contours of these areas, vividly contrasted against his other bold colors, look as much drawn as do the narrow, cursively shaped lines of paint. The resulting abstractions not only generate visual complexity, but the lilt of Hunter’s color and thrust of his line achieve pure graphic energy.

With a sharp eye for shape and form, Adriana Oliver transforms familiar shapes into neutral forms open to interpretation. Challenging a traditional flat and rectangular format, Oliver blurs the lines between sculpture and painting. Pushing lines into a new, spatial realm, the cut-out shapes of her panels promote dimensionality while showcasing her beguiling use of color relationships. Working in a reductive palette, as well as simplified line-work, her imagery stands out with her minimalist approach to figuration. In her use of line, hue, intensity and value, the works attain depth and resonance, striking a perfect balance between message and form.

These artists will inspire, provoke, engage and mesmerize. With visual perceptions always changing, peek behind the stories told and you're sure to find the right artistic expression.