The artist Dashiell Manley from California had been working on a series of paintings for over a year to exhibit at Marianne Boesky Gallery’s new show, California Is Somewhere Else. However, fate intervened when nearby wildfires engulfed Eaton Canyon, filling his studio with smoke and ruining the paintings that were still wet. Despite this setback, Manley quickly adapted and created a new suite of vibrantly colorful oil pieces with intricate layers using a palette knife.
The resulting paintings, reminiscent of Jay DeFeo’s layered works, feature a range of blues, reds, oranges, and yellows that capture the essence of a California sky from dawn to dusk. Manley found solace in the routine of creating these new pieces after the loss of his previous works. Alongside his paintings, the exhibition also showcases the Haas Brothers‘ Moon Towers, inspired by streetlights from the 1800s and their nostalgic connection to California.
The Moon Towers, made of jade green columns with lightbulbs at the top, aim to create a dreamy and transportive experience for viewers. The exhibition is further enriched by Anthony Pearson’s minimalist sculptures, known for their textured surfaces that invite contemplation and reflection. Together, these works embody the sublimity of California’s landscape and cityscape, capturing the essence of the Golden State’s unique and enchanting spirit. Ein Ort von Exzessen und Enormitäten, der dennoch ein Gefühl von Sicherheit und Vertrautheit inspiriert, das zu fantastischen Flügen der künstlerischen Fantasie führt. Wie Manley es ausdrückte: „Wenn ich das Gefühl habe, dass ich außerhalb meines Körpers bin, gehe ich in die Berge, ich mache diese Wanderung mit diesen riesigen Felsen. Ich lege mich auf diese Felsen, und alles, was in diesen Momenten so monumentale groß ist, wird klein. Ich fühle mich klein, alles wird klein. Es gibt so viel Schönheit in dieser Erfahrung.“