WHEN PATTERN BECOMES FORM
Form + Content Gallery presents When Pattern Becomes Form an exhibition of new work by Clarence Morgan, Stuart Nielsen, and Howard Oransky. The artists work in abstract modes and are inspired by the subtle shift that occurs in an artwork when the marks coalesce into a pattern and the pattern suggests a form. This is the second time these three artists have shown together at Form + Content Gallery. Their previous exhibition, Layers of Time, was presented in 2019. Morgan and Oransky showed together twice before: in the exhibitions Patterns of Dialogue (2017) and Shared Distance (2009). All three artists share a relationship to the Department of Art at the University of Minnesota: Clarence Morgan is a member of the faculty, Stuart Nielsen is an alumnus, and Howard Oransky is director of the Katherine E. Nash Gallery.
Clarence Morgan’s Artist Statement
The idea that one’s aesthetic desires and disposition can be completely made known through the materiality of a painting practice is shortsighted in my view. However, the performative act and process of making paintings or drawings can reveal a deep longing for something that is ultimately immaterial. Pretending I can rationalize through the use of language the reasons why these works insist on making their way into the world remains a mystery. Sustaining, but not defining that mystery is what’s at stake. Clarence Morgan
Clarence Morgan’s Artist Biography
Clarence Morgan is a visual artist whose studio focus is centered on painting, drawing and printmaking – often of an abstract nature. Utilizing random shapes and biomorphic forms within an intricate network of drawing, Morgan’s work ranges from highly patterned organic painting compositions to meticulously articulated and somewhat minimal collage-drawings. He approaches each work intuitively allowing the forms and elements to find their own natural cadence and visual pulse. Morgan is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he also earned his MFA and formal education and currently resides in Minneapolis, MN where he is a Professor of Art Practice at the University of Minnesota.
Stuart Nielson’s Artist Statement
Paintings are puzzles.
Black is mystery.
Color is life.
Stuart Nielsen
Stuart Nielson’s Artist Biography
Trained as a painter Stuart Nielsen holds a BFA (1970) from the University of Minnesota. He has exhibited widely for over 50 years and his paintings are in many private, corporate, and public collections. He has also completed some 20 commissioned sculptures for public spaces and served on design teams for urban design projects. He received fellowships from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Bush Foundation. Teaching includes Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the University of Minnesota. He has served on the Minneapolis Arts Commission and the boards of Artspace, Northern Clay Center and Highpoint Center for Printmaking
Howard Oransky’s Artist Statement
Going to the studio last year, I was paralyzed. The daily avalanche of lies, disinformation, and chaos was capped off with a deadly pandemic and the killing of George Floyd. A re-litigation of the Civil War would soon follow at the U.S. Capitol. I felt the need to re-introduce the human figure back into my work, but I wanted to do it metaphorically. The brilliant lecture by Linda Nochlin, “The Body in Pieces: The Fragment as a Metaphor of Modernity,” is an apt description of my intent for this work. Howard Oransky
Howard Oransky’s Artist Biography
Howard Oransky was born and grew up in Los Angeles, surrounded by the work of artists his parents knew and admired, such as Leopoldo Mendez and Arnie Mesches. He completed a BA in painting at California State University, Northridge in 1981 and an MFA in painting at CalArts in 1984, where he was mentored by John Baldessari. His studio is at Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art in Minneapolis and he is a founding member of Form + Content Gallery in Minneapolis.
Exhibition Dates: June 24 - July 31, 2021
Exhibition Hours: Friday, Saturday, 1:00 – 5:00 pm
Appointments are not required.If you wish to visit outside of gallery hours please email formandcontent@gmail to make an appointment.
Virtual Artist’s Talk
Thursday, June 24, 2021, 7:00 CST
This event will take place online via Zoom. To receive a link to the online event, please contact the gallery at:
formandcontent@gmail.com
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