John Chamberlain's Experimental Photography and Sculpture at Karsten Greve
The Galerie Karsten Greve hosts the exhibition 'Chamberlain in Paris' from January 18 to April 18, 2020, featuring the innovative photography and sculptures of John Chamberlain. Active from the 1960s, Chamberlain (1927-2011) began experimenting with photography and, in 1977, acquired a Widelux camera, which he used to create distortions by moving the device. His work, influenced by Abstract Expressionism, presents fluid shadows of Parisian cafés and studio scenes. Notable pieces include the 1991 sculpture standing at 269 cm and 'Gondola Charles Olson' (1982), a tribute to poet Charles Olson. The 'Kiss' series (1979) showcases crushed cans, while the 'Papagayo' series (1967) features galvanized steel boxes, evoking a figure with a pointed hat, referencing the Canary Islands.
Key facts
- Exhibition at Galerie Karsten Greve, Paris, from January 18 to April 18, 2020.
- John Chamberlain (1927-2011) acquired a Widelux camera in 1977.
- Chamberlain used photography experimentally, not for documentation.
- Influenced by Abstract Expressionist Willem de Kooning.
- Photographs feature fluid shadows, streaks, and arabesques.
- Sculpture 'Gondola Charles Olson' (1982) dedicated to poet Charles Olson.
- 1991 sculpture is 269 cm high, with painted and chrome fragments.
- 'Papagayo' series (1967) uses galvanized steel boxes, title references Canary Islands.
Entities
Artists
- John Chamberlain
- Willem de Kooning
- Charles Olson
- Donald Judd
Institutions
- Galerie Karsten Greve
Locations
- Paris
- France
Sources
- artpress —