Christopher Kurtz's 'Longhand' exhibition showcases hand-carved wooden sculptures at Tomlinson Kong Contemporary

From June 22 to September 8, 2012, Christopher Kurtz presented 'Longhand,' a four-piece exhibition at Tomlinson Kong Contemporary, located at 270 Bowery south of East Houston Street in New York City. The show featured sculptures that evoke handwriting through their forms, with Litany and Act Together mimicking cursive script in three dimensions, while Palace and The Gloaming displayed a more formal graphic sensibility. Kurtz, a master carpenter and furniture designer, demonstrated technical prowess through hand-carved basswood pieces, emphasizing labor without making carpentry the central theme. Litany, a life-sized centerpiece painted in black and white, resembled calligraphy that appears to have rolled off a page, with Möbius-strip-like curves and visible natural wood cracks. The Gloaming, suspended from the ceiling, resembled a sea urchin with spiky, delicate basswood elements painted matte black. Palace was a small table piece with pick-up stick shapes, and Act Together incorporated a cedar root base with carved branches looping back. The exhibition highlighted Kurtz's skill in blending natural and crafted elements, challenging contemporary skepticism toward technical virtuosity in art.