Westbeth Gallery: URBAN MYTHOS 22 Oct – 6 Nov 2011

Opening Reception Saturday 22 October 6pm – 9 pm

A group show curated by Greg Kessler “Urban Mythos” featuring the work of 13 artists. forming a collective dreamscape of images. Artists include Jennifer Nuss, Brian Novatny, Daniel Davidson, Erika Keck, Alex Kvares, Bekim Zeqiri, Heimo Wallner, Tricia Keightley, Jon Newman, Andre Lucien, Alexander DeMaria, and Bill Anthony.

Greg Kessler, a contemporary artist based in New York, curates the group show at Westbeth, which has been home to influential artists ranging from Diane Arbus to Vin Diesel. Westbeth Gallery provides a fitting backdrop to showcase the works of the 13 established and up-and-coming artists. Each artist has a diverse approach to image making, yet share an interest in the tactile qualities of their designs, creating a contemplative and engaging experience for the viewer.

“By using mythological, cartoon, and abstract imagery, the artists create codes of meaning, reflecting contemporary urban issues,” said Kessler, whose work – involving complex surfaces of contrasting textures, collages and finished drawings, will also be shown at “Urban Mythos.”

The exhibition will showcase works in a variety of mediums, including painting and mixed media. Featured artists include Jennifer Nuss, a recent recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship and a Joan Mitchell Award, whose figurative imagery is inspired by the mythology of the goddess Artemis, and Brian Novatny, whose colorful, intimate works have been broadly reviewed in “Art in America” and “Art & Antiques.”

Daniel Davidson, who shows at Mulherin + Pollard in New York, will also have his signature works on display, which fluctuate between the surreal and the grotesque, the whimsical and the cartoon. An emerging artist on the local scene, Erika Keck, often compared to Francis Bacon, will have several pieces in the show, dealing in provocative themes of flesh of sexuality, amplified by the raw power of her paint application.

Works by Alex Kvares, Bekum Zeqiri, Heimo Wallner, Tricia Keightley, Jon Newman, Andre Lucien, Alexander DeMaria, and Bill Anthony will complete the exhibition.

“Urban Mythos” opens on October 22nd from 6 – 9 PM. Gallery Hours are Friday – Sunday, 12 – 6 PM. Westbeth Gallery Annex is located at 57 Bethune Street, New York, NY 10014

To attend, please RSVP: Felicia@mortonpr.com

About Greg Kessler
Greg Kessler is an award-winning artist based in New York City. He received his MFA from Yale University and a BFA from Carnegie-Mellon University. He has had solo shows in New York City, Washington D.C., Texas and Austria, as well as group shows at American and Columbia Universities. His latest works can be viewed at www.gregkessler.net.

Media Inquiries:
Felicia Morton, Morton PR
Tel: 646.649.5708 / Email: Felicia@mortonpr.com