in exhibition: Kate MacKinnon "eleven x two x two"

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to stop by the petit gallery at Jordan Faye Contemporary to see Kate MacKinnnon’s “eleven x two x two.” I was delighted to see MacKinnon’s “abstract formalism” in person.

Familiar with the painters in abstract expressionism 101 such as Kandinsky and Pollock, my interest was piqued by the term “abstract formalism.” Only to learn that formalism is an approach to understanding art that posits: all that one needs to understand a work of art is contained in the work.

It is obvious in MacKinnon’s work that the process is paramount. The sides of each canvas show the tell-tale tears of vibrant paint in many layers.  Her canvases are full of basic representational shapes and complex gradations. I was a particular fan of “Strawberry Cheesecake” (featured at right) and the three “Bark Studies.”

If you would like to read more about Kate MacKinnon’s previous work check it out at Bret McCabe’s 2008 review.

I was also very impressed with Jordan Faye Block’s new 5400 square foot, mixed-use exhibition space. Located in one of the four original Enoch Pratt Library neighborhood branches (1886-1971) it is blessed with an “art event space, large great room, intimate gallery, curated flat files, art inventory, woodshop, and studios.”  I’m very happy to have this new venture just down the street. What more could a sybarite want?

Have you been to see MacKinnon’s work? Or, to the new space at 1401 Light St? Tell me all the juicy details in the comments below…