Trace of Man
April 23 – May 19, 2019
Highland Swamp, oil on canvas, 48 x 96 inches, 2019
First Street Gallery is pleased to announce Jessica McGarry Bartlet’s fourth solo show with the gallery. McGarry Bartlet has been a member since 2010.
Trace of Man marks the debut of her sketchbook practice, playful, energetic drawings of “raggies” the artist “creeps”. They have a distinct voyeuristic quality that turns the characture-esque pictures into something darker and unsettling.
According to the artist, the entire show, regardless of subject, medium, or scale, can be discussed in terms of “restraint, restriction, and the spectrum of suggestion.” McGarry Bartlet’s drawings are varied but all show a confident, gestural line quality.
“I occupy a place where the vectors of observation, narration, and emotional perspective converge through line, color, form, shape and texture. Trace of Man is about the work made through that occupancy using the formal language of line and color.”
In Highland Ave Swamp, a classic orange and blue complimentary composition creates an eye punch that both energizes and agitates. The linear aspect of the composition is created using negative space and color is quickly and confidently brushed in to create spatial perspective and awareness. Like value to the drawings, color is handled confidently and with calculated restraint and tangible physical energy.
Click here to see more work by Jessica Bartlet or visit www.jessicabartlet.com
