Ann Korologos Gallery presents Landscape Abstractions: Michael Kessler and Andy Taylor on view March 2 to 22, 2024 at Ann Korologos Gallery in historic downtown Basalt, CO and virtually at korologosgallery.com.
“Keen observers of the natural world, Andy Taylor and Michael Kessler present their most recent abstract interpretations of nature,” shares Sue Edmonds, gallery director. “Each artist has created his own style and process, a meeting point of the artist’s inner landscape and the moment witnessed. Avid lovers of the natural world for decades, both artists bring the viewer into the moment of presence, exploration, and feeling. The large-scale canvases match the impact of the moment.”
Michael Kessler is based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Kessler’s mixed-media works honor the inner dynamics of the natural world, depicting effects of time exacted upon the landscape as the artist explores the questions of how and why nature looks the way it does. Sensitized to the natural processes responsible for the appearance of nature, such as erosion from water, scars upon Aspen trees from wildlife and growth, sage brush emerging from sandy soil, confluences of river and rock, Kessler invented processes to emulate these occurrences on canvas and paper with ink and acrylic, wind and water. His abstract, often large-scale layered panels combine the fluidity of water colored with pigment, and layers of acrylic in palettes that reflect the colors, textures, and depth of nature.
Andy Taylor has been drawing and painting scenery in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley for more than five decades. Taylor is most drawn to what he describes as “insignificant scenes” often passed by on the journey to Colorado’s great landmarks. Stopped by water reflections of the sky, bands of trees, mountains, and sky in the distance, or detailed moments before him, moments of presence take on abstract expressions by his brush. His expressionistic style, characteristic brushwork and bold palette reflect the feeling of a moment, though Taylor sees the world in these vibrant colors reflected in the light of seasons and vibrant foliage. These subjective reactions to reality in the form of shape and color are hallmarks of Taylor’s work. On hand-stretched canvas, Taylor sketches the bones of his paintings, often visible through thinly painted layers of oil to create the mood, texture, and color admired by his loyal collectors. The artist often revisits the same areas to paint, knowing the landscape has changed both in form and through his perception.
Landscape Abstractions: Michael Kessler and Andy Taylor is on view March 2 to 22, 2024. Visit the spacious gallery historic downtown Basalt, CO (211 Midland Avenue) and virtually at korologosgallery.com. For questions, inquiries, or virtual installations, please contact art@korologosgallery.com, call (970) 927-9668 or visit korologosgallery.com
