Jesse James
Detroit’s Library Street Collective is gearing up for the launch of its first exhibition at its new space on 1274 Library Street. The exhibition is centered around new works by New York-based contemporary artist Sam Friedman. “Light” will feature unique abstract compositions by Friedman curated by KAWS. The artist takes a unique look at nature, drawing inspiration from observations of naturalistic elements in his hometown of upstate New York.
The works also pay homage to the Abstract Expressionist painters that paved the way before him. The gallery released a statement regarding the showcase. It reads: “The sentient paintings within the exhibition draw from earlier works that distill natural phenomena (sunset, sunrise, rainfall) down to their most essential elements of line and color. Like the New York Abstract Expressionists of the 1950s, he explores abstraction in order to touch on concepts that are more existential in nature – life and death, love, spirituality, and a range of universal human emotions that allow the viewer to manifest their own pure and innate response.”
Friedman and KAWS have a long friendship that goes way back. The artist spent five years as his manager after graduating from Pratt back in 2006. Friedman fine-tuned his abilities as a painter in KAWS’ studio, picking up the tools to become a fine contemporary artist. The gallery added, “Donnelly’s masterful handling of a longhaired brush while laying down flawless and continuous strokes of paint, along with his use of intense color, left a lasting impression. It is with gratitude that we welcome KAWS as curator of Sam’s exhibition.”
“Light” will be on display from February 27 until April 3. For more information, visit Library Street Collective’s website immediately. In the meantime, keep it locked with The Culture Curators for more art news coming very soon.
Photos via Library Street Collective
