Max Hetzler

Christopher Wool

27 Apr - 26 May 2007

Untitled

2007

Enamel on linen

320 x 243,8 cm

Christopher Wool

April 27 – May 26, 2007

At Zimmerstrasse Galerie Max Hetzler is pleased to present an exhibition of recent work by Christopher Wool.



The core element of Christopher Wool’s work is the process of painting itself which he explores by reducing form and color, then experimenting with different painting and reproduction techniques within these parameters: using silkscreen or pattern rollers, layering and erasing, making certain motives invisible with white paint, then adding other motives on top. The range of techniques Wool has used over the years makes reference to contemporary art history, from the silkscreens of Andy Warhol to Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings.

In this new series of paintings Wool uses a radical material, solvent, to modify the pattern, long tangled lines of black enamel spray paint. Spray paint is associated with the creation of urban graffiti and the attempt to wash it away. Thus Wool’s paintings are constructed by destruction: the black lines are partly removed, blended into each other and sometimes made white. He then paints new lines and erases them again, creating a dynamic tension between the contrast of patterns, the wash-like strokes and the curved lines.

Wool said: ‚I became more interested in „how to paint“ than „what to paint.“’ His work encourages the viewer to reflect on the physical qualities of paint, to be aware of painting procedures and the essential elements of the medium: form, line and colour.


The artist is exhibiting at Galerie Max Hetzler since 1989. He has been featured in numerous exhibitions, both solo and group shows, including the Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain, Strasbourg (2006); Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno, Valencia (2006); P.S.1 – Contemporary Art Center, Long Island City (2004); Camden Arts Center, London (2004); Le Consortium, Dijon (2002); Secession, Vienna (2001); Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (1998) and Kunsthalle Basel (1998).


A catalogue will be published on the occasion of the exhibition.


Christopher Wool was born in 1955 in Chicago. He lives and works in New York.
 

Tags: Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Christopher Wool