From the Press Release:
He
is not yet 30, but already London-based William Bradley is taking on
the heroes of Abstract Expressionism by challenging their use of
automation and spontaneity. His work begins with abstract gestural
watercolors, which are then scanned and digitally manipulated into a
calculated arrangement. These resolved designs are then repainted in oil
on canvas. His work can be described as "abstract art about abstract
art" with an underlying concept that explores the communicative
disconnect between artist and viewer that is specific to the pure
abstract language. Bradley constructs a language of references or quotes
from mostly Abstract Expressionists including Motherwell, Still,
Gottlieb, De Kooning, while maintaining his own distinctive approach.
Bradley
does not intend for his paintings to be interpreted as works of
Abstract Expressionism. Instead, he exploits characteristics of the
style in order to expose the contextual limitations. Thus, the
paintings act to classify the artistic movement as a brand and an
exhausted academism. The Modern concept is refreshed in these works
through a contemporary portrayal. Although initially intuitive, gestural
strokes are instead consciously transcribed patterns.
What
Bradley proposes is a painted depiction of painting codes pertaining to
abstract expressionism, early pop art but also generic painting. The
visual signifiers, whether taken from high art or mundane reference, are
simply used as visual or memorial rituals entering the elaboration of
another artistic lexicon. Therefore, Bradley could be considered a
conceptual artist. His work refers now to Ad Reinhardt, Blinky Palermo,
Daniel Buren, and to a recent generation that reinfuses conceptual
strategy to painting.
William Bradley: Tall Tales
On view through December 28, 2013
Galerie Richard
514 West 24th Street
New York, NY 10011
