Philip Hanson plays compositions filled with vibrant notes of color and form. Pieces consist of bold abstraction, some of which are layered upon with text based on the work of various poets. The small-scale paintings house the preciousness of a poem, and when juxtaposed with text, create an altered yet familiar environment. Like a piece of prose that partakes of both speech and song, the pieces are rhythmical and metaphorical, evoking formal elements that reminisce stanza and meter. What I enjoy most about poetry, besides its musicality, is its mystery. The concision that is both brief and comprehensive, yet enigmatic, is left open to interpretation and within this space the audience can meander. But viewing these paintings did not permit such space. There was no work involved for me, no exegetical journey, or translation to perform. The text placed on top of the beautiful abstraction was not integrated to enfold with the form, but instead concealed it. I stood in front of each painting, read the text, then moved on. The paintings felt stiff and inhibited in meaning by text and lacked the harmony, characteristic of the organ, between the visual and written to produce beauty, form and unified expression. (Karissa Lang)
Through Feb 9 at Corbett vs. Dempsey, 1120 N. Ashland.
Words As Object: A Review of Jeff Perrone at Corbett vs. Dempsey "A Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party," features the works of late artist Jeff Perrone. Using his decorative roots, Perrone combines intrinsic designs of buttons, thread and mud cloth on canvas with text depicting powerful, revolutionary phrases.
