Dennis Kardon and Alexi Worth Discuss Painting, Ambiguity, and Process in Exhibition Conversation
In the summer of 2016, Dennis Kardon and Alexi Worth, both painters linked to artcritical, engaged in a conversation about their collaborative exhibition titled "Dennis Kardon & Alexi Worth: Within Reach," held at the Myers School of Art, University of Akron, Ohio, under the curation of Matthew Kolodziej. They examined the intersections of narrative, material, and perception. Kardon viewed "Within Reach" as a vessel of ambiguity, whereas Worth took a more literal approach, highlighting everyday objects in his straightforward paintings. Kardon remarked on Worth's manipulation of transparency, while Worth pointed out the importance of ambiguity to captivate the audience. Kardon’s spontaneous technique leads to diverse imagery, while Worth employs stencils and airbrushes to create depth, both artists intrigued by tactile experiences and perceptual distortion.
Key facts
- The conversation was first published in connection with the exhibition "Dennis Kardon & Alexi Worth: Within Reach" at Myers School of Art, University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, last summer (2016).
- Matthew Kolodziej curated the exhibition, noting it showcases two artists sharing mutual engagement with narrative, material, and perception intersections.
- Dennis Kardon interprets the title "Within Reach" as an approach to meaning and ambiguity, offering possibility without supply.
- Alexi Worth views "Within Reach" more literally, describing proximity and simple objects like door handles, glasses, leaves, or microphones in his paintings.
- Worth emphasizes ambiguity to prevent viewer consumption, fearing clear meaning would end engagement, and sees meaning as a starting point.
- Kardon's paintings range from brazenly enigmatic to almost straightforward, with works like "Painting Contemplates Sculpture" featuring a purple statuette and dog painting.
- Kardon describes his process as blind and spontaneous, incapable of planning, where initial ideas get obliterated until recognition emerges.
- Both artists share a fascination with tactile pleasures like skin, vegetation, and glass, using translucency as a metaphor for painted surfaces.
Entities
Artists
- Dennis Kardon
- Alexi Worth
- Matthew Kolodziej
Institutions
- artcritical
- Myers School of Art
- University of Akron
Locations
- Akron
- Ohio
- United States