The New York-based artist will present a series of large-scale paintings on canvas and cardboard, along with new sculptural works referencing store-display and retail architecture. Rendered primarily in black and white, the paintings represent a significant evolution to the signature series of optically complex, striped abstract paintings that Basher has become known for in recent years. While some works will continue to develop this flawless, hard-edged stripe motif, others will take a muscular formal turn, using the stripe in conjunction with more aggressive, tactile and improvisational mark making. Their compositions will be echoed and reflected in sculptures constructed from aluminum, perspex and heavy construction lumber.
Martin Basher holds his BA (2003) and MFA (2008) from Columbia University, New York. Since graduation he has exhibited widely in New Zealand and internationally. Recent exhibition highlights include commissions for Auckland Art Gallery (2103), The Public Art Fund New York (2011) and Socrates Sculpture Park New York (2008). Other selected institutional and private exhibitions include Brand New Gallery, Milan (2014), Anat Ebgi, Los Angeles (2014), City Gallery of Wellington (Solo, 2014), Starkwhite (2013). In 2012 he staged Minimal Consumption/Refective Sublime with Starkwhite at the Armory Show New York. In 2010 Basher was the recipient of the McCahon Residency in Auckland, New Zealand, The AAI residency in New York, and the Susan Goodman Residency in Berlin.
Recent group shows include:
Chinese Takeout, Art in General, NY (2011);
Collected,Cuchifritos, NY, curated by Felicity Hogan (2010);
Unspecifed Objects, Thierry Goldberry Projects, NY (2010);
Dancing Feet, 179 Canal, NY, curated by Colby Bird and Tova Carlin (2010);
Heavier Than A Death In The Family, 25CPW, NY, curated by Per Bilgrn and Shannon Smith (2009);
Two Degrees of Separation, Gallery Satori, NY, curated by Eun Young Choi (2009);
Autumn, Neiman Gallery, Columbia University (2010); and
Reality Sandwiches, Artnews projects, Berlin, curated by Margherita Belaief (2009). Curatorial projects include:
Dance Sons and Daughters Dance! An exhibition of emergent American positions in video art, Physics Room Christchurch, NZ (2009); and
The Leisure Suite: Images of Domestic Malaise and Redemption, Leroy Neiman Gallery, Columbia University, NY (2008).
Basher's multi media practice combines both high- and low-end consumer products, fabricated structures, and immaculate geometric abstract paintings. Blending together ideas of retail display, advertising and Modernism, Basher's work questions the environmental and social implications of consumption in our times. His work is featured in notable collections including The Agnes Gund Collection, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Chartwell Collection (Auckland) and James Wallace Collection (Auckland).
Press release courtesy Starkwhite.
