FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL, 2008
PAUL OBERST "Temples, Towers and Totems"
CLINT TAKEDA "Transfigured"
Philadelphia, PA - The Bridgette Mayer Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of new sculptures by artists Paul Oberst and Clint Takeda. The show will run from April 1 – April 26, 2008 with an opening reception on First Friday, April 4th, 6:00-8:30pm.
Paul Oberst wants his work to challenge the viewer. Initially his sculptures seem like basic architectural objects. Four sides, a passageway, and a chimney-structure upon approaching the sculpture the subtle texture and color unfold. The color of each piece created by stamped text. Words such as soul, sprit, shroud, reveal themselves and are repeated hundreds of times to create the glow of color on the pine wood surface. What is this object, is it a temple? If so-what type? Is this a vehicle for prayer? In Oberst's mind, ideally these questions would stem into a sort of meditation on the piece, and one's own path. He has said "These items are portals, or vessels to enter that mystery. Not knowing how the items are to be used ritually, I leave the journey to the person viewing the work." To him the temples are our sprits, seemingly alike but unique due to slight changes. He has spent 27 years making the temple image in various forms and materials, and through this image he seeks to bring the viewer to a place of "contemplation, calm and integration."
On view in Temples, Towers and Totems, there are mixed media, pine wood sculptures ranging from 51 x 11 x 4" up to 92 x 17 x 17." There are also several large scale silkscreen ink works on paper. Oberst draws from his interest in his own life and childhood, as well as trips to Mexico and the Southwest, creating a varied installation.
Clint Takeda's sculptures are wire and synthetic foam pieces covered with thick glossy layers of enamel and acrylic paint. Japanese born Takeda, is inspired by Japanese Buddhist sculptures from the 600's- 1200's. Growing up in Japan he encountered sculpted deities surrounding ancient temples. Impressed by their grace, power and form, Takeda continues to incorporate these attributes into his work today. Jagged forms protrude out of shoulders; faceless heads are adorned with rough helmet like shapes. His figures conjure up images that are both traditional and contemporary. Simultaneously, his work resembles ancient Shitenno sculptures, colorful Transformers, and contemplative objects. Takeda states that his goal "is to make sculpture whose multiple parts combine to become a physical enigma with an abundance of charm." In Transfigured the figure is not defined in the traditional sense, but is felt as a powerful abstract form.
This exhibition is the first solo show for both Paul Oberst and Clint Takeda at the Bridgette Mayer Gallery. Paul received his degree in Studio Art from the Centre College in Danville, KY, and was an Arts Fellow at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, MA. He has show at the Stux Gallery, New York, NY, DeCordova & Dana Park Museum, Lincoln, MA, Cleveland Center for Contemporary Art, Cleveland, OH, University of Maine, Portland, ME, Massachusetts College of Art, Boston, MA, Art Complex Museum, Duxbury, MA, Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, Ridgefield, CT, and Lehman College, Bronx, NY amongst many others. Paul Oberst currently lives and works in Freedom, ME.
Clint Takeda received his B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, and his M.F.A. from Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of Art, New Brunswick, NJ. He has shown at: The Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, PA, Parlor Projects, Lancaster, PA, Vox Populi, Philadelphia, PA, Esther M. Klein Art Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, Ice Box Project Space, Philadelphia, PA, Lump Gallery, Raleigh, NC, Morris Arboretum, Philadelphia, PA, Arcadia University Art Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial, Philadelphia, PA, Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, Temple University Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, The Painted Bride, Philadelphia, PA, and the Nexus Foundation, Philadelphia, PA amongst others. Clint Takeda currently lives and works in Philadelphia, PA.