Biomorphic Painting Explored by DiBenedetto, Ross, and Siena at David Nolan Gallery

Between December 10, 2009, and January 23, 2010, the David Nolan Gallery in New York City showcased 'Morphological Mutiny,' an exhibition featuring the works of Steve DiBenedetto, Alexander Ross, and James Siena. Situated at 527 West 29th Street, the exhibition explored the lasting impact of biomorphism over the past century, merging abstraction with figuration. James Siena's creations, including 'Earthless' on enamel-painted aluminum, generate optical vibrations and intricate spaces, while his drawings like 'Liminal Space' delve into formlessness. Referencing Annie Besant and Charles Leadbeater's 1901 work 'Thought Forms,' his piece 'Angry Forms' stands out. Alexander Ross's 'Untitled 2008-9' employs digital collage, presenting a sci-fi biomorph against an abstract backdrop, similar to Cecil Beaton's 1951 Vogue photography. Ross's 'Untitled 2009' emphasizes the tension between figure and ground. DiBenedetto adds complexity with his drawings and paintings, such as 'Untitled' and 'Quantascape' from 2009, utilizing colored pencil and graphite to evoke rhythmic pulsations. His 'Untitled 2008' features a simple paint application with incised scaffolding, reminiscent of late Surrealist artists like Matta and Jerome Kamrowski. Collectively, these artists establish a modern architectural perspective within biomorphism.