The
Hogar Collection
362 Grand Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY 11211
tel.718.388.5022 info@hogarcollection.com
www.hogarcollection.com
Gallery Hours:
Thursdays - Mondays 12:30 - 7:00 pm and by appointment
Michael Behle
Animal Faith
Opening
Reception:
Friday, April 9 from 7-10 pm
April 9 - May 24, 2010
The Hogar Collection is pleased to announce Animal Faith by Michael
Behle. In his debut New York solo exhibition on view
April 9 – May 24, Behle will present new cast bronze and
toothpick sculptures along with collage based works on paper that question
constructed belief systems based on ideas of tradition, superstitions
and the comfort of being included in a majority. The works reference recognizable
imagery ranging from the human figure, architecture and advertising and
propose a reconfiguration of open-ended metaphorical narratives where
ambiguity supports the anti-absolute. Tweaked into a reality of subconscious
thought, the works often deface the subjects; metaphorically in the sculpture
where imposing appendages awkwardly protrude and embody the space of the
figure creating surreal and often seemingly uncomfortable predicaments.
And in a literal way in the collage-based paintings that directly deface
and mark upon the subjects to incorporate, cover and alter the definable
imagery with a free from molecular like patterning that creates new spatial
environments with new psychological subtexts. With an honest and forthright
manner, the metamorphosis Behle transposes upon his subjects offer the
viewer unexpected encounters into new perceptual experiences that question
established thought patterns and the implications of our societal typifications.
Animal Faith takes it’s name from the writings, Skepticism
and Animal Faith, by George Santayana where he explores epistemological
notions that contrast ideas existing between pedagogical academic knowledge,
which is gained through research and learned discussions, to the knowing
and common sensical type that is derived from a more intuitive and phenomenological
approach. The place where these ideas exist, impact, shape and define
our knowing lives is a driving force of Behle’s curiosity. In his
efforts Behle poses a steadfast opposition to a world where absolutes
can serve only to stifle and hinder pure thought and radical exploration.
Michael Behle was born in 1974 and currently lives and
works in St. Louis. His works have been exhibited at venues such as Laumeier
Sculpture Park in St. Louis, Phillips de Pury in New York, the Contemporary
Museum of Art in St. Louis, Art Resources Transfer in New York, Next Art
Fair in Chicago, the Mitchell Museum (Southern Illinois Biennial) and
Sotheby's in New York among others. He received a BFA from the Maryland
Institute College of Art, an MFA from Rutgers University and was a Vermont
Studio Center resident.
*For more information
or images please contact Todd Rosenbaum (director) at 718.388.5022.
Gallery Hours:
Thursdays – Mondays ~ 12:30 - 7:00 pm and by appointment
Subway:
L or G Train to Lorimer St, exit on Metropolitan, walk under BQE towards
Manhattan, left on Marcy Ave, 2 blocks turn right on Grand at the corner
of Marcy.
L Train to Bedford Ave, walk south on Bedford Ave to Grand St. Turn left on Grand St, walk 4 blocks, between Havemeyer and Marcy.
JMZ to Marcy
Ave, walk 5 blocks north on Marcy, turn left on Grand St.
By car from Manhattan:
Drive over the
Williamsburg Bridge, 2nd immediate exit at South 5th St, left at light
on Havemeyer, right on Grand Street, 4 blocks on right.