10 May 2011

Abstract Possible: The Zurich Test: 14 May - 4 June 2011

One work by each artist, Wade Guyton and Tommy Stöckel, who both explore formal abstraction, albeit in various ways, are on view in the intimate venue, White Space. Stöckel’s Exposed Superstructure, which consists of 2191 small geometric forms, reminiscent of a diagram of atomic structure, sits atop Guyton’s plywood work, which is painted in glossy black and covers the entire floor.

Wade Guyton's work greets the viewers as they enter and forces them into interaction the entire time they stay in the space. This piece acknowledges the economic and material means available at a given time. The work, modeled after his previous studio floor, and also itself a large monochrome painting, is a casual yet compelling nod towards the methods of production used during times of economic strain, and how these methods can themselves become forms. The original floor formed the very support of all work taking place in the artist's studio; his mechanically produced printer “paintings” would fall on the floor as they came off the printer. In Zurich the piece will create the support for the entire exhibition.

Paper, inkjet print, polystyrene, and Styrofoam form Tommy Støckel's Exposed Superstructure. This work draws the viewer into the space, and rests on Guyton's floor, using it as a pedestal, while at the same time requiring its support. His complex geometric forms are quintessential examples of visual complexity within simplicity. Exposed Superstructure, explores notions of how multiplicity and small adjustments of scale can drastically affect perception and reveal otherwise unapparent intricacies in form.

This exhibition is one episode of Abstract Possible, a project aiming to investigate the many forms and manifestations of abstraction in contemporary art and culture. This will be the third in a series focused on different strands of abstraction – economic abstraction, withdrawal, and formal abstraction. In this exhibition, the emphasis is placed on the latter form, featuring one work from each artist; two pieces in intimate conversation within the gallery space.  www.abstractpossible.org

Curated by Maria Lind, as part of Abstract Possible, the forthcoming show forms part of a research project spanning two years and based at various locations.

Produced and mediated by graduate students of Curating at the Zurich University of the Arts.  www.curating.org

The exhibition will take place at White Space, a project room for experimental formats, new forms of re-productions, and a place for the production of knowledge. New forms of conveying art, and a basic openness toward the audience, are among the central concerns of this space.

Saturday May 14 14:00-20:00 Opening, featuring talks by Tommy Støckel and Maria Lind
Thursday May 19 19:00 Film night at the Wäscherei (Laundry), Dienerstrasse 70, Zurich
Friday May 27 21:30 Film night at White Space
Sunday May 22 15:00 Children's Workshop “Abstravaganza”

Wednesday – Saturday
15:00 – 19:00
White Space / Militarstrasse, 76, CH-8004, Zurich
www.whitespace.ch/


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Postgraduate Program in Curating at Zurich University of the Arts
Zurich University of the Arts
Limmatstrasse 47
8005 Zurich
Switzerland
Phone +41 43 446 40 20
Fax +41 43 446 45 11
Mail: nachdiplom.weiterbildung@zhdk.ch

Application period:
1st April - 30th June 2011 (Date of postage)