FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2004
COREY J. WILLIS – NEW DIGITAL COLLAGE WORKS
Philadelphia, PA - The Bridgette Mayer Gallery is pleased to present the second solo show of Philadelphia native Corey J. Willis.
“Artificial Flavors & Colors” will run from November 3 – November 29, 2004 with an opening reception Friday, November 5th from 6:00-8:30 p.m. The artist will be present at the opening and a preview of five images may be viewed on the gallery website at: www.mayerartconsultants.com
On view for this exhibition will be fifteen recent digital-collage images ranging in size from 16 x 24 inches - 36 x 36 inches and 48 x 48 inches.
In “Artificial Flavors & Colors” Willis continues his exploration of the human psyche.
Artificiality and irregularities within manufactured products become patterned metaphors to discuss personality and human characteristics. Repeated candy pieces such as Candy Circus peanuts, Fruit Stripe gum and Swedish fish represent the clocks, time, repetition and boredom that govern the human populous.
In several works, frootloops become eye chart tests. The multi-colored number thirty and thirty-five hover in the center of each piece. The artist pokes fun at the concept of the five-year plan and getting stuck in loops or circles. They are aptly titled, “Approaching 35-Male test for Colorblindness: Frootloop Eye chart.”
In “Monotony Series-Ghosting: Poptart Calendar” a pale blue ground features rows of lined-up poptarts. Upon close inspection it becomes obvious that although these products have been mass-produced, there are irregularities within some of the batches of poptarts. In his calendar series, Willis is commenting on an idea that everyday is the same yet there is a difference within the seeming similarity. Imperfection and perfection are the variety in the mundane.
Corey J. Willis is a recent participant at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine. He is a Philadelphia native currently living in New York City. He is the Director of Design Education at the New Design High School in the Lower East Side.
“Artificial Flavors & Colors” will run through November 29, 2004. The artist will be present at the opening reception Friday, November 5th from 6:00-8:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Wednesday-Saturday 11:00 - 5:30 p.m., other days by appointment. For additional information please contact Bridgette Mayer, 215.413.8893 Fax 215.413.2283
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