Artist Reception: Friday, May 3, 5 – 7pm
LewAllen Galleries Downtown
On view from May 3 – June 2, 2013 at its Downtown location, LewAllen Galleries presents Line, Form and Color: Harmonic Convergence, an exhibit of new works by American abstractionist, Brad Ellis. Ellis’ signature horizontal lines and animated colors in his Currents and Dash series harmoniously converge with the newly introduced Organic series of blossomy motifs painted over collaged paper elements. His method of painting with this wax-based medium involves a lengthy process of alternating layers of encaustic, oil, acrylic, and collage to create striking textural surfaces and entrancing abstract imagery.
With overt calligraphic marks, the Currents series captures a sense of verbal communication and how that might look if it were visible. These expressionistic symbols coalesce with bands of color creating a compelling surface tension that conveys structure, movement, and formality. Paring down to pure bands of color, Ellis explores the spectrum of spatial combinations in the Dash series. The images then take on a steadfast approach with uniform line patterns, creating a consistent and meditative experience for the viewer. The newly formed Organic (see “The Bacchanal Bazaar” at left) paintings are a natural progression from Currents and Dash, wherein Ellis breaks out of linear restrictions, morphing into the next exploratory level of boldly colored, form-filled pictures. The grandly gestural marks and petal arc patterns convey freedom of expression and joyful exuberance. “Seducing easily and thereby becoming sensuous decoration in a muted abstract expressionist vein…it’s soft rock for the eye,” says the Chicago Tribune of Ellis’ work.
Ellis received his BFA from the University of Tulsa. His art has been shown in solo and group shows across the country and is included in numerous corporate as well as private collections.