Temple VI. Oil on canvas, 40"h x 30"w.

New paintings by Carl Kauffman on exhibit at 1100 Florence Gallery, thru Nov. 18

Opening Reception Nov. 2, 5-8p • Artist Talk, Nov. 10, 4-5p.

Kauffman aims to capture a poetic quality in the architecture, archaeology, and history of various ancient sites. His recent travels in Mexico, Italy and the South of France have inspired the theme found in this recent series of oil paintings and photographic collages.

Artist Statement

Ruins from ancient cultures and the physical reminders of our own industrial past are the inspiration and the ongoing theme of my work. These remnants are fascinating in their monolithic decay and serve as vehicles for contemplation as both sources of reflection on the passage of time and as a doorway to the history of our past cultures and civilizations. The worn surfaces of ancient structures are translated into impasto oil paintings applied with palette knives intending to convey the feel of stone surfaces. This recent series of paintings is an extension of a theme that began with photographs taken at Mexican and Roman archaeological sites and the resulting collage pieces on paper and wood. While showing the impressiveness and beauty of old buildings is an important aspect of this work it is also based on a desire to understand and relate to our past through the experience of seeing these sites in person. The importance of our past successes and failures seem more relevant than ever as we face critical changes in our contemporary world. -Carl Kauffman

Bio

Carl Kauffman received his BFA and MFA from Northern Illinois University with an emphasis in Painting/Drawing.  He has taught at several Chicago area colleges including Triton and Waubonsee Community colleges. He has also worked at several art museums including the Block Museum at Northwestern University.  Awarded grants from the state of Illinois and the City of Chicago.