August 2010

Have You Noticed…?
An Exploration of the Overlooked
Recent Painting and Works on Paper by Ski Holm

Exhibit statement

I am inexplicably drawn to the majesty of the commonplace. This exhibit celebrates what we usually take for granted. It is not a new concept. I’ve been working at this for decades. Some well known artists such as Manet have worked this way. Think of his paintings of oysters. Some artists have made entire careers from this concept: Thiebaud and cakes, Hockney and swimming pools. I call this an exploration of the overlooked.

I have always believed that imposing limits is not so much restricting as it is a way to gain focus. The idea for this collection of works was initially born out of necessity. I was renovating my studio during the winter of 2007-08. This forced me to work in my house on a smaller scale, with simpler compositions. Some fifty odd drawings and oil pastels later I had the core of an exhibition. Expanding on this concept meant working on paintings smaller than I was used to which made for much more intimate compositions.

This type of work has in the past served to enhance some of my previous series. They have accompanied larger, grander works. This is the first time in which my quieter, more sedate pieces have taken center stage. My hope is that they endure the spotlight.