From one vantage point, Gulay Semercioglu’s sculpture Golden Circles might look as though there are literally golden discs stacked amongst each other like a blossoming chrysanthemum. When viewed from another angle, the “golden discs” seem to spin and interact with each other as they catch the gallery lights. The work comes alive!
Artist Gulay Semercioglu’s Golden Circles, photo from Leila Heller Gallery
Each of the golden discs are carefully woven together in a highly calculated fashion with continuous vivid reflective gold-aluminum wire that then continues along to the next disc. To the untrained eye, it looks like a spinning sculpture of 24k gold but when looked at closely, the fun, mystery and intense craft are exposed.
This Thursday at the Leila Heller Gallery you can catch the opening of Variations on Line, a solo show by talented Turkish artist, Gulay Semercioglu. In addition to gold, she uses other colorful light-reflecting wires like black, red, and green to create abstract works filled with movement. The viewing experience may either be dizzying or meditative depending on your perspective.
Artist Gulay Semercioglu’s One Way, photo from Leila Heller Gallery
Semercioglu gets her inspiration from “microorganisms, simple leaf forms, mountains, and even water.” She says “I like that [my art] makes contradictions exist and reconcile.” Her works have oftentimes been described as tangible objects that the viewers desire to touch. As much as the viewers desire to do so, they must keep in mind that it takes Semercioglu months create her sculptures. Although, the process is extremely rigorous it’s definitely rewarding.
“What I have discovered in myself is a calling, an appetite for architectural design. In my thoughts I am designing buildings” says Semercioglu.
You can’t experience the delicate nature of this work or the movement when it catches the light unless you’re there to see it in person! Head to Leila Heller Gallery to see for yourself!
-Jen Wallace
Gulay Semercioglu
Variations on Line Leila Heller Gallery Oct. 11 – Nov. 10 Opening Reception: Thurs. 10/18, 6-8pm
568 West 25th Street
New York, NY 10001
Last month I recommended a show entitled Sculpted Matter (still on exhibition until 8/17) at Paul Kasmin Gallery in Chelsea. This is a landmark group show including 21 accomplished, contemporary sculptors.
Now that you’ve had some Manhattan fun in three dimensions, venture a little further and take a trip to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to see a group show at Causey Contemporary.
That Voodoo That You Do by Jerold Ehrlich at Causey Contemporary
Boys With Toys is a 9-man compilation of ascending male artists exploring the nature of their interaction with their sculptural work.
Curator Tracy Causey-Jeffery assembled this group of artists after reviewing the portfolios of over 500 members of the International Sculpture Center. She chose works made by the sculptor’s own hand and mostly from steel.
Case Study no. 21 at Causey Contemporary
The Boys (with toys) rose to Ms. Causey-Jeffery’s challenge. Kudos to Norman Mooney, Arthur Mednick, Steven Dobbin, Alan Binstock, Jerold Ehrilch, John J. Richardson, Gunnar Theel, Bob Emser and Michael Whiting!
I enjoy these works for their jovial energy and can’t wait to see them in person at the opening this Friday. (For a reminder what Causey Contemporary looks like, check out our review of last year’s show below.) See you there!
- Jen Wallace
Boys With Toys Causey Contemporary
July 20 – August 26 Opening Reception: THIS FRIDAY, July 20, 6-9pm
92 Wythe Ave
Brooklyn, NY
If you haven’t yet had the experience of walking trough, around and looking up at Richard Serra’s massive experiential steel sculptures, then this is a must-see show. If you’ve already experienced Serra’s work, then I know you’re probably hungry for more.
Richard Serra is one of the most influential and accomplished artists of his generation. MoMA held a (great) retrospective of his work in the summer of 2007. There is currently a retrospective of his drawings at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. His works can also be seen in public spaces all over the world.
The show will consist of two large, new, complex steel works, Junction (2011) 13′ tall & 75′ x 49′ and Cycle (2010) 14′ tall & 57′ x 55′.
Juction by Richard Serra
Serra’s monumental, minimalist steel sculptures transform the space surrounding them. Walking through a Serra sculpture often makes me introspective and contemplating ideas of structural creation, cities, strength, isolation, and “how can little me make a big impact on the world?”
“I consider space to be a material. The articulation of space has come to take precedence over other concerns. I attempt to use sculptural form to make space distinct.” – Richard Serra
I first saw Serra’s work in person at a Chelsea gallery in 2003 when I was in school and had just moved to New York…and I think it left me forever changed. His work can have that large of an impact.
Although I gave you short notice on the opening, the show is up for over two months. If you can’t make it tonight, make sure to see it while you still can.
Gagosian Gallery Richard Serra – Junction/Cycle
Sep. 14 – Nov. 26 Opening Reception TONIGHT (9/14) 6-8pm
555 W 24th St.
New York, NY
- Jen Wallace
(For more this week, if you want a little more Gagosian and a dose of Andy Warhol head to the opening of Liz on Friday from 6-8 at their21st St. Gallery.)
Often for Jen Recommends I suggest a specific gallery opening for The Bare Square readers to check out.
This week I’m recommending 127 galleries. This may seem like a lot, but don’t be overwhelmed. The second annual Chelsea Art Walk has made exploring Chelsea a lot easier for one night only.
On Chelsea Art Walk’s website you will find a downloadable map of the participating galleries. Most of the action will take place between West 19th and West 29th streets, and west of 10th Avenue. In addition, the website provides a downloadable list of events, including talks and tours from artists, curators, and gallery owners. The night will also feature special live performances, book signings, and receptions.
Savvy readers of The Bare Square will recognize some participating galleries we’ve mentioned before like Claire Oliver Gallery,CUE Art Foundation and David Zwirner(these links have fun Jen Recommends video updates, too).
With so many participating venues, events, and sponsors (not to mention an after party), this is sure to be an art-filled and fun-filled night in Chelsea.
Share this with friends and make a night of it. And tell them you heard about it on The Bare Square!
Today, renowned American artist Alexander Calder became yet another artist honored by Google on their home page, one of the most trafficked on the web.
In honor of Calder’s 113th birthday, today’s “Google Doodle”, a visual homage that takes the place of the Google logo on the Google home page, pays respect to Calder’s work
Calder is famous for sculptures he called mobiles–hanging weights and struts that are carefully counterbalanced so they slowly drift into new configurations
Unlike most Doodles, which are often static images, the Calder Doodle is animated and interactive, like Calder’s work.
Today's Google Doodle, in honor of and inspired by American sculptor Alexander Calder. (Courtesy of the Calder Foundation and Artists Rights Society)
The coolest part is that the Calder Doodle sways when you tilt your laptop! (How did they do that?) For you tech geeks out there — this is also the first Doodle to use HTML5.
Check out this video to see some of the movement and animation:
Google’s Doodles often pay tribute to a famous artist, and The Bare Square has featured a Doodle here before. (Check out our article from February about the Robert Indiana Doodle.)
While doing a deeper dive into the whole Google Doodle business, we discovered there are actually Doodles that are only published in certain countries.
For example, on June 21st, the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere, the Doodle on Google’s homepage was a tribute to summer by famous Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. This is what we saw in the U.S.:
Meanwhile, while we were welcoming summer, that same day our friends in the southern hemisphere marked the beginning of winter. Here is the Murakami Doodle “southerners” saw on their home page:
Here are some other cool art Doodles we thought you’d like, never published on the United States Google home page!
Only Hungary saw the Doodle below, posted in honor of Hungarian realist painter Munkácsy Mihály’s 167th birthday.
Another birthday– Spaniards viewed the Doodle below in honor of the 148th birthday of Spanish painter Joaquin Sorolla.
The mystical Doodle below honored Chinese artist Chang Dai-chien for his 112th birthday, a Doodle seen first by Google users in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
We love how Google supports visual art, as well as dance, film, literature, and music, by sharing their prime real estate with the arts. Others should follow their example.
If you think the Calder Doodle is awesome, are liking Google’s other art Doodles, or like what we’re up to here at The Bare Square…then “like” this article below, “like” The Bare Square, and share us with friends!
