Main Gallery : Bob Nugent,"What Lies Beneath" - Recent Paintings

Brant Kingman, "Sensuous"- Sculptures and Paintings

Back Gallery : Antonio Tapies, Prints

Flanders Contemporary Art is very pleased to announce itıs latest exhibitions opening Friday, September 15 with reception for the artists from 6 - 9 pm. On view will be new work by three exceptional contemporary artists, Bob Nugent, Brant Kingman and Antonio Tapies.

Bob Nugent, a California based artist, is a painter whose view of the world has been focused on the life occurring, and rapidly disappearing, in the eco-systems of the Brazilian Rain Forests. Since 1984 Nugent has made annual trips to the Amazon Rain Forest, and records his impressions in stunning etchings, watercolors and canvases. His interest lies in the diversity and beauty found in the existing flora, and it's play in the incredible natural wonder of Amazonian Brazil. Nugent's work also draws attention to the ever increasing need to preserve and record these ancient species and his time among them, before the modern world completely extinguishes them. Unlike his last exhibit, which featured mostly abstracted floral images entwined with text, his new canvases seem to evoke larger, more open spaces. Nugent still employs powerful floral images, but the backgrounds seem to reference the horizon heavily. Using a darker, moodier color palette, the paintings show a tension and struggle, between the earth and sky. Mr. Nugent will be showing his new work for 2000, all of his new pieces are oil based paintings on canvas or panel. A full color catalog, featuring wonderful reproductions and an essay by noted critic Donald Kuspit, can be obtained through the gallery.

Artist's Statement: The work refers to Brazilian travels, specifically along the Amazon River Basin. Naturalistic forms resembling beehives, vertebrae, cocoons, anthills, plant forms and insects are spread across the surface of the work. The palette is often subdued beneath a layer of darkness, suggesting mystery. The work transcribes a memory of objects and impressions of what was seen and felt. The Amazon River is an apt metaphor for the act of churning up of remembered objects and sights, gathered while traveling along its rough course. In it's flow, the river boils an object to the surface only to swallow it up again to resurface later. These impressions are a memory of the river bound on both sides by a high, dark jungle; foreboding and beautiful. If it takes you in, it takes you in whole.

We are also very pleased to present the sculptures and paintings of Brant Kingman. Kingman, who works out of his studio in Northeast Minneapolis, has been establishing his presence in galleries thoughout the country. His eloquent figures and vessels, that he creates mainly with bronze, tread between serene and surreal. His vessel and figure shapes reference a time long ago, but with his layering and modern use of negative space and materials, offer the veiwer a scene from the past with a modern edge. His figures, with their twists and subtle shapes, do evoke the word sensuous, as the title of the show refers to. Mr. Kingman will also be exhibiting some recently completed canvases, with themes very similar to his sculpture, but with a softer palette and line.

Artist's Statement: I deliberately degenerate these works, reducing classical forms to their most identifiable and durable essence. To date I have focused on the most recognizable of all images: the human figure. But I experiment with other forms as well. To show that it is what is inside us that is most important, I intentionally assemble my forms with pieces missing so that the interior surfaces are as visually accessible as the exterior ones. I call my broken, bent and twisted figures "Contemporary Relics" in an effort to point out that everything we make, no matter how new, is a relic from the moment of its creation.

In our back gallery space, will be showing work from International Spanish artist, Antoni Tapies. The prints range in theme and size, and are a must see.

The Friday, September 15 opening runs in inconjuction with Kellie Rae Theiss' reception for Chad Manbeck's new series of interior paintings.

The exhibition runs through October 21, 2000.

Flanders Contemporary Art is located at 400 First Avenue North, first floor in the Wyman Building. Gallery hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm and by appointment.

We can be reached at 612-344-1700 or via e-mail at <art@flanders-art.com>.

View works by Bob Nugent on this site

View works by Brant Kingman on this site

View more works by Brant Kingman