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June Issue 2007
Plum Elements in Charleston, SC, Offers Works by Stephen Addiss
Plum Elements in Charleston, SC, is presenting an exhibit entitled, Ink in America, Energy in Repose, featuring a collection of calligraphy and painting by Stephen Addiss, on view through July 31, 2007.
In a world with too many lines, Addiss shows us the simplicity of reality. With ink and brush he captures essences as potent as they are restive. Using but a few lines, his work conveys emotion from our experiences - both real or imagined. Addiss' suggestive lines inspire the viewer to take part, adding their own context.
With ink, there are no second chances. In advance, the artist has to see the entire composition. Yet, within the stroke, the artist must be free of his preparation, surrendering to the moment. Its unforgiving nature insists for a spontaneity and energy, unlike that typically found in other media. Figures, landscapes, and calligraphy demonstrate the range of Addiss' work. All reflect his balance of power and grace - even the explosiveness of One, Two, Three. While Asian in technique and presentation, these scrolls speak with an authenticity and particular American dialect.
Following in the tradition of the East Asian scholar-poet-artists, Addiss has said that he too finds research and creative expression deeply enhance each other. Addiss, the Tucker-Boatwright Professor in the Humanities at Virginia's University of Richmond, started practicing calligraphy and painting in 1969 in New York City with Wang Chi-yuan and Ishikawa Kako. He is one of the few Americans recognized in this medium. Additionally, Addiss carves his own signature stamps to sign his work.
A composer, musician, artist, art historian and poet, Addiss has explained, "My early years as a musician traveling throughout Asia, Africa and Europe led me to a lifetime interest in how what we learn from other cultures can interact with our own traditions and values to create something bold and new."
Addiss' work has been exhibited in numerous one-person shows and in museums in London, Taiwan, China, Korea and the US.
Other Japanese art at Plum Elements includes 1890s woodblock prints by Toshikata Mizuno from his series of Thirty-Six Images of Beauty and contemporary silkscreen prints by Mayumi Oda. Both artists' works are included in the Museum of Fine Art, Boston permanent collection.
For further information check our SC Commercial Gallery listings, call the store at 843/727-3747 or e-mail at (info@plumelements.com).
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