Spencer Finch, I'll tell you how the Sun rose
Galerie Nordenhake, Stockholm
August 23 - September 30, 2012
In SPENCER FINCH’s exhibition at Galerie Nordenhake in Stockholm the artist presents a group of recorded observations from the natural world. Often combining Conceptual and Impressionist practices Spencer Finch reflects on the tautologous nature of seeing, the limits of visual perception and the fallibility of recollection. Sometimes his works originate from his own individual perceptions, of light, color, darkness for example, while his methodology is often scientific in its precision. However, all his work is strongly anchored in often-poetic references to literature, philosophy, mythologies and even historic observations from the scientific cannon.
This exhibition partly comprises a group of works dealing with atmospheric phenomena and relating to the landscape. A highly industrialized and urban waterway is recalled via Impressionist images of water lilies, sunsets and seascapes in a color study of the Gowanus canal (which passes the artist’s studio in Brooklyn) using the amalgamated hues from picture postcards of works by Claude Monet. The breeze as recorded passing through the bedroom window at Emily Dickinson’s home in Amherst, MA, is evoked in exactness with the use of a table fan. In an eclectic variety of media and themes Spencer Finch also takes on cloud formations, moon shadows and stone wall formations.
A second group of works embodies a more formal character. The lightbox Yellow Square reveals the spectral breakdown of the color yellow. A red, green and blue grid of squares emits yellow light on the reflecting walls. This work is accompanied by a series of 15 collages arranged using colored paper and filters. The series is based on Wittgenstein's Remarks on Color in which the philosopher reflects on Goethe's attempt to clarify the use of language about color.
NORDENHAKE Stockholm
Gallery's website: www.nordenhake.com
