Press Release

Richard Levy Gallery is pleased to present a two-person exhibition of selected artworks by Saara Ekström and Stuart Frost. Ekström’s classically composed photographic still lifes juxtapose objects of tradition and innovation and are both timeless and cutting edge. Frost creates new life by transforming readily available natural materials (usually associated with debris) such as dead trees, old cork, and found seagull feathers into captivating sculptures. A sense of life and radiance is present throughout this exhibition.

Saara Ekström’s luminous still-life photographs capture and reflect the beauty and electric hum of the modern age. Since the 17th century flowers and fresh fruit have been heavily symbolic icons within vanitas paintings. Ekstrom draws inspiration from this Northern European painting style in her images, while introducing a 21st century twist by including objects like glowing televisions, illuminated lamps, and wigs of current fashion. Ekström’s photos have a timeless quality that seamlessly blends traditional with contemporary. Ekström currently lives and works in Finland.

Gaiola, Frost’s elegant birdcage is poised on a Lucite pedestal and appears to glow from within. Both poetic and ironic, Gaiola is comprised entirely of found Peruvian seagull feathers that have been woven together. The hollow quills capture and diffuse ambient light. Stuart Frost works with readily available raw organic materials that vary by geographic location. Frost transforms these materials through diverse methods such as burning, stripping, and sewing to create his graceful sculptural objects. Frost received his masters in sculpture at The Royal College of Art in London and currently lives and works in Norway.

Richard Levy Gallery is delighted to announce the installation of Portable Grove by Stuart Frost in the Africa Exhibit at The Albuquerque Zoo. Frost reclaims dead trees from the bosque and transforms them using pyrography, a technique of scorching the wood surface to create patterning. This community project was started in 2009 in participation with Land/Art New Mexico and in partnership with The City of Albuquerque Public Art Program, now in the city’s Cultural Services Department, and Richard Levy Gallery.

The gallery will be closed from November 25 until December 9 for the Thanksgiving holiday and while we are exhibiting in Art Miami 2010.

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Dates: October 22–December 17, 2010
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11 am–4 pm
Location: 514 Central Avenue SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Contact: 505.766.9888, info@levygallery.com, www.levygallery.com @levygallery