We are pleased to announce our first exhibition of recent acrylic paintings on paper by Deborah Buck. The exhibition corresponds with a survey show of her work at the Garrison Art Center (April 7 to May 6th, Inside Out). An illustrated catalog with an essay by Lilly Wei is being published in conjunction with both shows. Copies are available to the press on request.
The title of our show refers to the centralized forms, which are the "subject" of her paintings: anthropomorphic wrapped objects that are inviting and yet slightly sinister. Her vocabulary of form is distinctive and grows out of organic surrealism. Wei suggests the push and pull between attraction and repulsion in Buck's forms is "about decay, about past present and future states, a comic book Pop Surreal version of the theme of vanitas." The combination of rich colors (burgundy and turquoise), deep tones and the occasional glitter also add to the dark but playful allure of her work.
Wei suggests "there is a remarkable continuity in Buck's output, in her wrapped ripening, morphing shapes with their inner secrets." She also suggests that the development of the image is almost sculptural, with the drawing moving towards painting in a layering process from which the final form emerges.
Buck has been painting since her youth and after befriending Clyfford Still. She was a resident of Skowhegan at the age of 18. She has also involved herself with design, collecting and selling antiques, and teaching (at SVA). Buck's energy is barely contained by her paintings.