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Written by Kat Murrell
Dec 30, 2010
Painter Paul Kosek’s first solo exhibition is on view at the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center. His paintings in “Bridging the Gap” are intelligent studies in tension, balance and transformation, beautifully set in the airy and gracious gallery space.
A Chicago native and current Racine resident, Kosek has a long history as an artist and art educator. The paintings in his “HP Series” show assertive compositional handling; the placement of pivotal lines sing in contrast with round forms and shards of overlapping color. Viewed up close, other strong points come through. Kosek’s acrylic paint is opaque, yet applied deftly to allow underpainting and brush strokes to remain visible. Layers build and collaged elements enliven the surface, like a bit of the world caught in the art. Below the painted surface, occasional HP logos from packaging peep through. The detritus of life is something to build another world on.
The push and pull between reality and abstract interpretation is apparent in a series of smaller works. It starts with a photograph, and, like a puzzle, details are extracted and developed into something new yet not unfamiliar. The exhibition is rounded out by paintings that take on unexpected viewing angles, such as a stairway winding like a nautilus.
Kosek’s thoughtful, elegant works are on view now through Gallery Night and Day, Jan. 22. Hours for the MGAC gallery vary. Visitors can check the online events calendar or call 414-383-3727.
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