David Wallace began exhibiting with Gallery Neptune in 2004. At that time, his work consisted of delicately composed paper collages using a variety of antique prints, personal correspondence, photographs, advertising imagery and other paper imagery which he found deserted in the attics of old homes or purchased from estate sales and antique stores. Wallace's keen eye for arranging disparate elements on one picture plane, enabled him to create a new graphic language. Soon these mostly black and white collages were the basis for larger hand painted works on wood, simplified by bolder images and transformed through color. Wallace has now taken another new step by creating "Begging the Question", his latest collection of paintings on wood, this time working on a much larger scale. In addition to this larger format, Wallace has also carefully addressed the surfaces of his images by applying several layers of paint which are sanded to reveal colorful undercoats, while distressing the paint to add texture. The results are reminiscent of old painted signs that grow more visually interesting as they become worn by natural elements.
The exhibit's title "Begging the Question" underscores Wallace's method. A background in graphic design influences his love of using words and images together. Elements of his compositions are positioned on the picture plane and then intentionally cut off by the edge of the wood. The viewer may draw their own conclusions about what lies beyond the immediate image, thereby complying with the artist's intention of allowing for creative interpretation. In thinking about the title for this new body of work Wallace says "One of the words that came up was "circular" meaning a handbill. But circular has other meanings as well and it made me think of the term "circular logic", that a statement invites another obvious question. This seems to fit the logic of my art. If you try to understand art (mine or any) by asking questions and using deductive reasoning you'll end up with empty thought. Art is not always logical. Sometimes it is intuitive, emotional or referential."
"Begging the Question" by David Wallace will run from October 22 - November 15.
To view the show click on ARTISTS, David Wallace.
To read the November 5th Gazette review click on PRESS.
Please call the gallery to schedule a visit: 301-718-0809.
Neptune will be open for the monthly Bethesda Art Walk, November 14, 6-9 PM.