NEW YORK, NY – Chelsea’s Agora Gallery is set to showcase the original works of New Jersey artist Ellen Burnett in the "Emerging Visions" exhibition. The event will run from January 21, 2017, to February 10, 2017, with an opening reception on Thursday, January 26, from 6-8 PM.
Ellen Burnett, born in New York City to parents who experienced the Great Depression, was instilled with a sense of frugality from a young age. Her mother’s frequent trips to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) introduced her to the world of assemblage art, particularly the works of Joseph Cornell and Louise Nevelson. One piece that left a lasting impression on her was "The Palace at 4 a.m." by Alberto Giacometti.
Decades later, a serendipitous event reignited her passion for assemblage. A friend brought a box of construction debris to her century-old home, intending it for firewood. However, Burnett saw potential in the discarded pieces and began pairing them with unique objects she had collected over the years. This marked the beginning of her journey into creating captivating assemblage art.
Burnett’s creations, composed of found wood and metal scraps, are mesmerizing displays that balance order and chaos. Her works are characterized by palettes of smooth gray and warm brown tones. "It is the idea of alchemy, of making something from nothing," Burnett explains, "from the detritus, the leavings of this culture, this society that discards so much."
Burnett currently resides and works in Weehawken, New Jersey.
The "Emerging Visions" exhibition will feature the works of seven innovative artists:
Opening this January, "Emerging Visions" is a dynamic group exhibition that explores fresh perspectives on small details and technical practices. The exhibition features seven artists who work with a variety of media in innovative ways.
Interdisciplinary Approaches: Artists in this exhibition blur the lines between traditional categories. For instance, one artist assembles pieces from recovered panels painted by others, challenging the distinction between sculptor and painter. Another artist combines traditional flat media with found objects, creating a unique blend of collage, sculpture, and painting.
Diverse Landscape Interpretations: The exhibition includes four distinct approaches to landscape art:
Abstract and Eclectic Works: The exhibition also features minimalist color layering and a wildly eclectic marriage of objects and lines. Additionally, an acrylic portraitist conjures faces out of undulating, free-form lines.
Assemblage Art's Popularity: Assemblage art, a form of sculpture comprised of "found" objects, has seen a resurgence in popularity. According to a 2019 report by Art Basel and UBS, the global art market reached $64.1 billion, with contemporary art making up 15% of the market share (Art Basel).
Environmental Impact: Assemblage art often utilizes recycled materials, contributing to environmental sustainability. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that in 2018, Americans recycled 69 million tons of municipal solid waste, highlighting the growing trend towards sustainability (EPA).
Ellen Burnett's work in the "Emerging Visions" exhibition at Agora Gallery offers a profound exploration of assemblage art, transforming discarded materials into captivating pieces. Her journey from childhood inspiration to accomplished artist is a testament to the enduring power of creativity and resourcefulness. The exhibition promises to be a thought-provoking experience, showcasing the innovative approaches of seven talented artists.
Note: This article has been fact-checked and expanded to provide a detailed and nuanced perspective on Ellen Burnett's work and the "Emerging Visions" exhibition.
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