Upwelling

July 8 - September 27,2024
Philadelphia

Wexler Gallery presents Upwelling, an exhibition featuring the works of six artists, each bringing a unique perspective and technique to the fore.

The concept of “Upwelling” in nature refers to the process where colder, nutrient-rich water from the ocean’s depths rises to the surface, fostering a surge of life. This exhibition mirrors this concept, with each artist’s work representing a surge of creative energy drawn from the depths of their experiences and interactions with nature. The result is a collection of art that is as diverse, vibrant, and teeming with life as nature itself.

Trish DeMasi creates ceramic vessels that draw inspiration from nature and architecture. Her work is a harmonious blend of biomorphism and rigid geometric forms, pushing the boundaries of sculptural vocabulary until the form evolves into something mysterious and new.

Jason Spivack, a painter and artist based in Philadelphia, draws inspiration from the natural beauty of trees. He uses found pieces of wood, branches, and cut logs as a canvas for his paintings.

Mami Kato, a Japanese-born artist based in Philadelphia, uses rice straw and eggshell in her delicate and complex sculptures. These materials not only reference her Japanese heritage but also symbolize life’s sustainability and the potential for energy to surge from the earth.

Edward McHugh, an American artist trained in various disciplines, uses a unique “wax-diffused pigment print” technique in his works. His application of a thin layer of archival wax lends a painterly touch to his prints, creating a fusion of photography and painting.

Tanja Softic, a printmaker based in Richmond, Virginia. Originally from Serbia, Softic experienced living in a war-torn world. Softic creates works that are metaphorical maps of change, perishing, and memory. Her images, with no discernible center, float in and out of focus, cultivating a space that is polyphonic and at times contradictory.

Gregory Nangle, an artist and designer also based in Philadelphia, frequently draws inspiration from the natural world. His use of cast bronze to mimic branches or leaves results in biomorphic and animated furniture.