Edwin David Grat: POSTSCAENIUM

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Jung Center of Houston

September 4-September 28, 2009

In the Main Gallery, Jung Center of Houston presents the  exhibition POSTSCAENIUM, featuring work by Edwin David Grat, on view September 4-28.

Edwin David Grat’s challenging and alarming figurative art does not align with any particular style of painting, as much as, with artists who have chosen uncommon imagery to convey serious artistic intent such as Bosch and Dali.

The artist writes:
For over 40 years I have pursued a concept conceived in my early years in academia. My paintings are environments where elements of polarity are organized to convey a personal compelling message to the viewer. At one end of the pole, I choreograph, flexible, colorful figures that gesticulate an inner flowing energy as they develop and assume their own personality and power. At the opposite extreme, the hard inflexible, unsympathetic, monochromatic backgrounds will always be at polar odds with the figures.

My hope is to immerse the viewer in the impassioned figure's experience as they attempt to endure in their sterile graphic cold. The blue that surfaces in almost all paintings is a necessary element that calms the intellect and so doing manages the voids between the two extremes. The acrylic media is the only forgiving constituent in the work allowing me the latitude to easily and quickly make changes when inspired. I have no discipline in the behavioral sciences.

I suppose I can attempt to analyze why and how my inner creative message manifests itself in this form. I have no control over the true source of my iconography. If I attempted to understand, would it be clear or valid? Or would my interpretation be bias? I believe that if I move into those vaporous introspective landscapes, my creative flow and growth would be misdirected and the truthful path would be compromised. I strive to remain naïve, perceptive and spontaneous.

The images are there within and always surface in each painting, reassuring me by provoking a much deeper and a profoundly different personal and emotional meaning to every observer traveling the pathways they may or may not recognize in their own personal lives. This is a validation and assurance, I am on the correct path so I continue on.

And in the Side Gallery, Jung Center of Houston presents Interpretation:  Ronnie Queenan. Ronnie Queenan ’s work focuses on translating the West Texas landscape into abstract forms. His self portraits series recreates life stages, pain, and victories.