George Peck's 2003 Exhibition at Florence Lynch Gallery Features Paintings on Plastic Drop Cloths

From September 4 to October 4, 2003, George Peck presented an exhibition at Florence Lynch Gallery in New York. The artist painted on large plastic drop cloths sourced from hardware stores, creating works with two layers where painting activity was concentrated in lower middle areas. These transparent sheets altered viewing dynamics, requiring close proximity to discern abstract marks, collaged nylon scrim, and delicate drawings. Peck partitioned the gallery with tall painted sheets, preventing immediate sweeping impressions and forcing viewers to engage incrementally. Gallery walls were covered with the same plastic material, eliminating traditional white-wall framing effects. The installation reinforced rather than dismantled the act of looking at paintings, asserting intimacy in the viewing experience. Peck's approach emphasized allowing viewers to have unique experiences on his own terms rather than convincing them of uniqueness. The exhibition demonstrated how artists can reorient viewing behaviors through material choices and spatial arrangements.