Wainscott, NY – The world is wrought in history; forward, backward, present. It seeps from every crevice, every story passed down from one generation to the next, wars that have come and gone, blemishes that stain or blot our collective memories, and animals that are now extinct. History is more than what is written in a textbook, it is a wrinkle on aging skin, a worn piece of clothing, a loose strand of hair. American History as an exhibition seeks to look at the concept of history as less static than words on a page or accounts deemed important by someone else. The show seeks to shine a light on a group of selected artists who have already carved a notch in the tree of life with their respective practices over many years. Each one is already a piece of American history.
In the search for, or rebuttal of, important historical references, the gallery seeks to reformulate history through a contemporary lens. Since its founding in 2009, Tripoli Patterson has watched and supported local artists who have indelibly left a mark on the art world. While some have worked hard to shine brightly and are only just getting the attention they deserve, others moved through the currents of resistance and have been glowing for years. If history is unending, a candle with an endless supply of wax, does this mean it can be interjected upon? Can we mold that wax when it is still warm to the touch? After a prompt by artist Mary Heilmann, the gallery decided to delve deeper through an exhibition that continues to re-examine the narrative of the East End art community which plays such a large role in art history. The strength of the action is that these notations of time are meant to be remembered.
Artist Sally Egbert said, “The world is in such an especially crazy, history-making time.” Continuing she stated, “This exhibit shines a strong and compassionate light on the state of things, opening the door for change and a beautiful, powerful way to view the world.”
If we can assemble artists who are carving their names deeply in the sand, there is a chance that even if the tide comes in…nothing will be washed away.
For press inquiries or further information, please contact info@tripoligallery.com or call 631.377.3715
Esther Ruiz Beacon IV,
2023 Basswood, neon, pink aura quartz, rhodonite 4.5 x 4 x 12 inches (11.43 x 10.16 x 30.48 cm)
Mary Heilmann White Water,
2022 acrylic on canvas 18.25 x 24.5 x 1.5 inches (46.355 x 62.23 cm)
Esther Ruiz Double Well,
2022 Neon, acrylic, MDF, hardware & paint 19 x 4.5 x 25 inches (48.26 x 11.43 cm)
Connie Fox Mimbres Man II,
1987 acrylic on paper 22 x 30 inches (55.88 x 76.2 cm)
Esther Ruiz Beacon V,
2023 poplar, neon, tiffany jasper, opalite, kiwi jasper 4.25 x 4 x 20.25 inches (10.795 x 10.16 cm)
Sally Egbert Red,
1996 mixed medium collage on paper 30 x 22 inches (76.2 x 55.88 cm)
Mary Carlson Ghost Flag,
2007 sown sheer fabric 123 x 70 inches (312.42 x 177.8 cm)
Pat Steir Large Blue Painting,
2022 oil on canvas 108 x 108 inches (274.32 x 274.32 cm)
April Gornik Horizon Gravity,
2018 charcoal on paper 46 x 37.5 inches (116.84 x 95.25 cm)
Sally Saul Couple,
2019 clay and glaze 11.5 x 11.25 x 10 inches (29.21 x 28.575 cm)
Sally Saul Trouble,
2019 clay and glaze 15 x 11.25 x 6.5 inches (38.1 x 28.575 x 16.51 cm)
Sally Saul Hideout,
2019 clay and glaze 23 x 19.5 x 12.75 inches (58.42 x 49.53 x 32.39 cm)
Mary Heilmann Psychic Clouds,
2023 acrylic on canvas 32 x 24 x 1.5 inches (81.28 x 60.96 x 3.81 cm)
Sally Egbert Bay,
1996 oil on canvas 91 x 42.5 inches (231.14 x 107.95 cm)
Mary Heilmann Tube at Dusk,
2022 acrylic on canvas 24.125 x 32.25 x 1.125 (61.2775 x 81.915 cm)
April Gornik Light Passing,
1987 oil on linen 76 x 106 inches (193.04 x 269.24 cm)
Connie Fox Le Journal,
2008 acrylic on canvas 30 x 24 inches (76.2 x 60.96 cm)
Alice Aycock Maze 2000 (maquette),
2009 aluminum 19.5 x 24 x 31 inches (49.53 x 60.96 cm)
Alice Aycock False Mercury Landing,
2023 Inkjet print and hand-colored ink on paper 58 x 58 inches (147.32 x 147.32 cm)
Mary Carlson Ulysses S Grant,
2019 glazed porcelain 3.5 x 3.5 x 2 inches (8.89 x 8.89 x 5.08 cm)
Esther Ruiz Beige Paradise,
2023 Cement, glass, Puerto Rican sand, glittered acrylic, chalcedony 4 x 4 x 4.5 inches (10.16 x 10.16 x 11.43 cm)
Esther Ruiz halo,
2021 cement, metal 2 x 1 x 1.5 inches (5.08 x 2.54 x 3.81 cm)
Esther Ruiz Potion Pod,
2021 cement, glass 1.5 x 1.25 x 2.5 inches (3.81 x 3.175 x 6.35 cm)
Esther Ruiz Space Nug 1.0,
2012 concrete, acrylic 2 x 1.75 x 2 inches (5.08 x 4.445 x 5.08 cm)