Andy Paiko: Fragile Force
Andy Paiko: Fragile Force
MARCH 7, 2014 THROUGH APRIL 26, 2014
PHILADELPHIA-Wexler Gallery is pleased to present a premiere solo exhibition of new work by nationally renowned glass sculptor Andy Paiko. The show will be on view from March 7th through April 26th. An opening reception will take place on First Friday, March 7th, 2014.
In this new body of work Andy is exploring sculptural possibilities within glass and building semi- functional art objects. The exhibition will feature ornamental reliquary jars, obscure vessel-ware, musical machines and kinetic sculptures. Andy’s unique treatment of glass reflects a decidedly pointed notion that glass has a new and lasting position in our contemporary culture; it is both useful and worthy of aesthetic contemplation.
An appreciation for classical themes is present in the artist’s work as he crafts functional glass sculptures based on historical designs by Leonardo da Vinci, Victorian era objects and turn-of-the-century machines. This interest in referencing time-honored objects also correlates to his process, as he blends long-established Italian-based glass techniques with experimental methods of glass blowing. Free from the seduction of color the artist uses clear, unadulterated glass in his creations to re-contextualize the common object. Andy Paiko celebrates the inherent sculptural qualities within glass and evolving notions of craft within traditional media. This new direction has won universal recognition and Andy Paiko was named a 40 under 40 Craft Future in the Smithsonian American Art Museum exhibition at the Renwick Gallery in the 2013 exhibition.
A California native, Andy Paiko graduated from the studio art program at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. After studying as an apprentice, Andy co-built and operated the Central Coast Glass Artists’ Studio (C.C.G.A.S.) in Los Osas, California. In 2008, Andy was named a Searchlight Artist by the American Craft Council. Andy Paiko’s glass sculptures are part of the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and are included in numerous American and European private collections such as the Condé Nast Collection. Recently, Andy Paiko’s Optic Twist Screen #2 was acquired by a Midwestern university museum. Several of Andy Paiko’s glass works are on display in Portland City Hall and have been featured on the popular television series Portlandia. Andy works as a solo artist, in his studio in Portland,Oregon. In the artist’s words, “the true value of the glass craft continues to reveal itself as an occupation worthy of a lifetime of study.”
Fascinated by the notion of challenging the traditional labels that categorize art, Wexler Gallery exhibits work that can coexist in the worlds of design, fine art, decorative art and craft. By questioning and challenging the boundaries of these fields, we aim to present functional and non-functional work that consistently celebrates innovation. Unified by a commitment to excellent craftsmanship and true dedication to their art, we are proud to showcase some of the world’s most esteemed artists working in their areas of pursuit.
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