May 24, 2007
Important to me
I wanted to take the time, briefly, to explain why I find Wolfgang’s exhibit such a great landmark for the gallery and why the work itself should be seen in person.
In April 2006, when the concept of this gallery was still in the developmental stage with my partner and me, we came across Wolf’s work at USC’s open studios. He wasn’t there, but we were taken aback by ‘And the Winner is…’ and ‘Boys will be boys.’ Those were two of the pieces finished at that point. They were huge and startling. Without him there to explain, we had to make assumptions, obviously guessing the gender of the subjects with no clear answer.
When I finally met Wolfgang a month or so later, the gallery had a space in Silverlake. We were discussing how making these mammoth works fit nicely in the space would be a challenge. I feel like we made it work very well. We also wanted to make a conscious effort to include less expensive giclées so that people that appreciated the work but couldn’t afford the original could have a very nice piece for their collection.
The reason it took so long to show Wolf’s work was that he had to graduate from school and finish the remaining 4 or 5 pieces. I admire, both as a painter and an artist, the time he took to develop the concepts, stage the models and interiors, glaze, and perfect his pieces.
Over those months, the gallery saw some obstacles with the name change and a slew of artists coming in and out. The first part of this year was devoted to Group Art Activity (Micro Gestalt, Joint Custody Project, and Displaced). When it was time to go pick up Wolf’s pieces, I hadn’t seen them in person in so long and hadn’t worked on a solo show for some time.
When I saw them in person, I marveled, even though I had been staring at JPEGs, getting excited during all those months in between. They’re simply jawdropping, whether they disturb, amuse, or amaze you. The time and detail put into the reproductions are also very impressive. The transfers were top notch.
Wolfgang’s work resonates, as I’ve spent the last couple of weeks surrounded by them, as very clearly executed portraits of very ambivalent times. The fact that this is his first body of work and that he completed this series while an undergraduate continues to impress me and others.
I can’t wait to see what’s next, but if you haven’t stopped by the gallery, do so this weekend or sometime before we unfortunately have to make room for our revenge artists.
—Jonny
May 24th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
i appreciate the narrative whole of the entire collection, the silent story told by each character’s (missing family members?) morose disposition, the nostalgic color pallete of rust, grass, grandma’s upholstry. Something there will be the worst thing yet. such simple sadness. gorgeous work.
May 24th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Everything that I have seen I have unfortunately seen from a distance - but even from thousands of miles away, I can sense the depth of Wolfgang’s work. It has been exciting to be involved in the process of ‘unveiling’ Wolfgang to the world - I look forward to his next body of work and to following the long and illustrious career ahead of this very talented artist.
May 24th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Whether you liked Wolfgang’ work or not, you couldn’t help but be distracted by their strong subject matter, bold, dramatic colors, and size. My favorite piece is the one of the girl sitting in the green chair in the front room against the back wall (of Found Gallery). I think overall the pieces work well together and draw upon the same mood. I think the one has to be open minded when viewing the show and it is worthwhile to have a conversation with Wolfgang about his ideas. GO SEE THE SHOW!
May 24th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
it is bold work; work i wish i could buy and house but im happy to be staring at this work for hours while at the gallery helping out——-this isnt your average painter’s work——something to stare into the eyes of this intense and distant family while admiring the finished quality of the project
May 25th, 2007 at 9:16 am
Having had the opportunity to meet Wolfgang and hear his intentions behind his art, it’s exciting to see those bold, colorful, in-your-face pieces of art in person. The scale is pretty indescribable - you have to see it in person to really appreciate it. And I think his paintings really incite thought and contemplation on behalf of the audience, as opposed to some art I’ve seen that intends purely to shock or “be pretty.”
May 25th, 2007 at 11:50 am
I was very excited to see Wolfgang’s work in person a couple of weekends ago. Truly breathtaking!