Duane Reed Gallery has Relocating. After nine years in Clayton, the Duane Reed Gallery has moved to 4729 McPherson in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis, next to Centro. This move, which coincides with the gallery’s fifteenth anniversary, will allow the gallery significantly more space (4,400+ sq. feet) in a vibrant neighborhood with restaurants, galleries and other businesses. “We consider it a great opportunity to expand our ability to showcase the artists we represent, as well as provide an exhibition space that will accommodate larger scale work.” Join us for the Re-Opening Celebration Friday, May 15, 2009.
The gallery will present the work of internationally acclaimed fiber sculptor, John McQueen and glass artist, Michael Janis as the inaugural exhibitions in the new space. The exhibitions will open Friday, May 15th with an opening that evening from 6 – 9pm. The exhibitions will run through June 13th.
McQueen uses willow branches, bark, burrs and other natural materials that he strings together to create stunning basket-like sculptures that “hover, often with great humor, in the gap between craft, sculpture and Conceptual Art.” McQueen “weaves willow twigs into flat open work panels, that are tied together with wax string and built into sculptural constructions. Some works are cage-like while others resemble familiar objects — a book, a desk calendar, a painting.” McQueen’s work can be seen in collections around the world, including the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American Art, the Museum of Art + Design, the Racine Art Museum, as well as the Kunstindustrimuseum in Norway among others.
Dealing with themes of identity and transformation, Michael Janis’ work involves kiln-working fused glass images together in an uneasy juxtaposition, or creating a transparent environment where reflections and shadows remove all boundaries. With a technique called “sgraffito”, the figures and forms are shaped by manipulating glass dust with sifters, brushes and scalpel blades. The delicate nature of glass powder is exploited and the slightest tap can change the frit powder images.
Gallery during construction
John McQueen Show
Michael Janis Show
Second View of Janis Show
Presentation Room
Presentation Room
Racks / Kitchen
