Andrew Gavenda
Houser
January 10 through February 21, 2009
Texan Equities proudly announces it’s second exhibition, “Houser,” a series of new sculptures by Andrew Gavenda. This, his first solo exhibition in Los Angeles, CA, presents a fluorescent meeting of proper carpentry and the artist’s laborious affection for fragility, and surface.
In this exhibition, Andrew combines wood, foam, glue, resin and enamel to fashion informal structures that occupy very unconventional space. There is an unnerving dependence on the walls to support some of the structures, while others far more fragile, stand independently erect and noble. Invasively positioned, this series of sculptures commands a quiet redefinition of space. Andrew deliberately utilizes a sign-painter’s palate to color the sculptures with bright fluorescent enamel.
The artist’s domestic fascination is thematic throughout; ready allusions to functional items like pipes, tables, frames, and tools challenge the dysfunction inherent in the sculptures themselves.
This series is largely derived from production, rather than conception, so Andrew is keen to fully expose each structure to the viewer; nothing is concealed. The ultra bright surfaces of his sculptures immediately captivate, extending an invitation to spend time with the elaborate and innovative construction.
Andrew Gavenda was born in Saginaw, Michigan (1976), and now lives and works in Los Angeles. He received his BFA from Western Michigan University in 2001 and his MFA in 2004 from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Recent exhibitions include: Group Exhibition, G2 Gallery, Chicago, IL, The Stray Show, General Store, Chicago, IL; and Doubletruck Jump, New Jersey Project, Chicago, IL.
