~ERIK PARKER
ERIK PARKER – ‘BETWEEN THE LINES’
FEBRUARY 16 – MARCH 8, 2008
MARIANNE BOESKY GALLERY – 509 WEST 24TH ST – CHELSEA – NY
ERIK PARKER also opened a show, of works on paper in the PROJECT SPACE, in the small front room of the MARIANNE BOESKY GALLERY, on Friday, Feb 16, 2008. After a long-time association with LEO KOENIG – ERIK seems very happy to be here. Unlike his previously exhibited large canvases, here he presents a small series of drawings on paper, sometimes: 2 to a frame – that seemed much more intense and focused, despite the smaller size, or because of it ? These drawings were also unique from his past work in their utilization of rows of tiny inventive, and ‘serially’ expressive cartoon-type embellishments – essentially – contemporary hieroglyphics. Though colorful, and full of cartoonish imagery – that imagery was often more wicked, than light-hearted – so the work had a real edge – that, close up – seemed very hard, and almost totally dark in spirit.
ERIK PARKER at the opening of ‘BETWEEN THE LINES’, FEB 16, 2008, MARIANNE BOESKY GALLERY, NY.
MARIANNE BOESKY, at the ERIK PARKER opening.
a guest studies an ERIK PARKER drawing, at the opening.
ERIK PARKER, ‘CORE’, acrylic and ink on paper
detail, ERIK PARKER, ‘CORE’ – one of the more light-hearted, but still – sobering pieces.
detail, ERIK PARKER, ‘CORE’ – those yellow orbs – are reminiscent of those early 80s KEITH HARING metal ‘buttons’ & are about the same size, too.
ERIK PARKER, ‘KEEP IT TOGETHER’ – !!
watch out – there’s always a new wave of young artists wanting to make it to the top. from left: NIKITA SHOSHENSKY & MATTHEW STEINBERG a couple of local talent – NYC boys, who made it thru LaGuardia H.S. and COOPER UNION – and are looking to make the real scene, now. at the ERIK PARKER opening. FEB 16, 2008
ERIK PARKER had a really great card – it was cut from hard card stock – to resemble an old vinyl 45rpm – the lettering was in a great raised typeface – of iridescent cobalt blue.
another drawing in the show, ERIK PARKER, ‘NEVER RUN’
detail, ERIK PARKER, ‘NEVER RUN’
detail, ERIK PARKER, ‘NEVER RUN’ – what do they say – God is in the details ?
. . . no, just remembered – the saying is: the DEVIL is in the details !!!!
PHOTOS: NANCY SMITH
see: more of the work, here !! / on the gallery website
unfortunately there are no close-ups – so if you’re in NYC – your gonna have to get up off the couch – and go see the show up live and personal.