Dale Williams: FEAR NOT TO APPEAR ↬ 22 April-28 May 2016
The Vanderbilt Republic proudly presents the seventh show by the artists of the Phenomenon at Gowanus Loft — FEAR NOT TO APPEAR, an installation of early works by Dale Williams.
Author of River Bend Chronicle (Lookout Books)
2014-15 fellow, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University:
The initial sight of a Williams image can provoke a step or two backward in astonishment—the hood on the engine of a character’s reality opens for you alone requiring extra clearance to finish rising upward and reveal its rich matrix of social, aesthetic, personal messages.
CROSSROADS (1991) — oil on canvas 74” × 60”
Before full comprehension comes a necessary blinding—a vision cleansing.
MOTHER AND CHILD (1995-96) — ink and crayon on paper, 26” × 19”
The artist always remains focused on the fluid conflict between the devastating pressure of history’s losses and the beauty inherent in the smallness of what remains—echoes of the ordeal existence entails.
WADING WOMAN (1997) — oil on jute 24” × 24”
THE KING OF POVERTY (1986) — oil on canvas, 44” × 36”
INNER SPHINX (1988) — mixed media with collage on wood, 17” x 18”
The whole of interacting visual centers stirs forth a dense synthesis of the material and ephemeral. There are dozens of equally dynamic works in this remarkable and overdue show. Spending time in their company,
one thing swiftly becomes clear: Depiction is never a Williams goal. Revelation is.
“FEAR NOT TO APPEAR”
artworks 1980-1997
DALE WILLIAMS
curation & lighting design
GEORGE DEL BARRIO
production assistance
LEOPOLD SCHLAEFEREIT + COLBY WERLEY
[ Opening reception 6-9p 22 April 2016; viewings by appointment 23 April - 28 May at Gowanus Loft ]