John Davis Forsgren | Antithesis of Language

February 7 - March 30, 2019

Opening Reception: February 7, 6 - 8 pm
Gallery Conversation - John David Forsgren & Linda Tesner: March 19, 6 pm

The Elizabeth Leach Gallery is pleased to present Antithesis of Language, new artworks by John David Forsgren. The exhibition title references Forgsren’s interest in subverting structure in favor of visceral expression. The show marks the gallery's first solo presentation of the artist's large-scale abstractions.

John David Forsgren’s unique art making process begins before the canvas is stretched onto its wooden frame and marks are created through a combination of physicality, gravity and intuition. The artist first texturizes the fabric through a process of washing, air-drying, and ironing. He then applies India ink and guides the liquid by lifting and flipping the raw canvas in different directions so that the puddled accumulations of obsidian-colored liquid lines cling to crumples, creases and indentations.

Forsgren considers his instinctive process more akin to drawing than painting although the resulting marks possess the characteristic liquidity of paint. Expressive bold black shapes and intricate webs of interconnected lines are infused with a kinesthetic energy that stimulates the imagination and evokes the process of their creation.