FIGURATIVE + ABSTRACTION is an exhibition of selected artworks from two broad classifications occupying today’s varied artistic landscape, the figurative and the abstract. The exhibition aims to offer viewers various points of comparison and contrast between these two styles as well as emphasizing juxtapositions from within by showcasing differing approaches to these two disciplines through medium, stylistic approach and experience. 

Figurative works in the main gallery will include the West Coast debut of Robert Graham’s Stanhope Drawings, a set of sensual works depicting high profile fashion models and actresses who sat for the artist in 2001. Sculptor Eric Goulder’s lifelike and deeply psychological work will provides a point of contrast to Andrew Foster’s whimsical and illustrative paintings of pinup girls. Tobias Keene’s highly energetic colorful nudes will be adjacent to drawings by Melissa Coote of detailed pale hands emerging from dark shadowy backgrounds.

In an adjacent room hung entirely in abstract works, monochromatic prints from Brice Marden’s 1972 Untitled Press series flank similarly hued calligraphic ink paintings by Elliott Puckette. Jeff Kowatch and Dana Volkert both use organic forms in their meticulously constructed works interact in this space as well, along with stylized nautical inspired steel sculptures by Vincenzo Amato.

The gallery’s courtyard will also include large-scale sculptures from Eric Goulder, Anne Honig Nadel and Victor Salmones.

FIGURATIVE + ABSTRACTION preceded Dana Volkert’s and Tobias Keene’s solo shows 2006 with the Earl McGrath Gallery Los Angeles, Brice Marden’s October 2006 retrospective at the MoMA, and Sotheby’s unveiling of monumental editions of Eric Goulder’s sculptures in New York.