Zenith Gallery Presents
ALL AMERICAN
Exhibit Dates: February 15 – April 23, 2022
Opening Reception: Thursday February 17, 5-8PM
Featuring Artists: Doba Afolabi, Jerry Berta, Joanathan Bessaci, Rachael Bohlander, Robert Berks, Cheryl Elmo, Robert Merrell Gage, Philip Hazard, Bernie Houston, Mihira Karra, Marcelo Novo, Gavin Sewell, Matt Slusher, Paula Stern, Bradley Stevens, Marcie Wolf-Hubbard
Must reserve ticket for entry on Eventbrite. Available HERE
At 1111 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC 20004
*Masks and Vaccination required
In celebration of President’s Day, we present to you an exhibition filled with creative passion of Presidents and all things American. This exhibit is inspired and centered around the rediscovery of Robert Merrell Gage’s terra-cotta sculpture of Abraham Lincoln’s that has now been cast in bronze. This bust of Lincoln is inspired by the 1860 Leonard Volk life mask. Gage became well known for his bust sculptures of American figures, but mainly executed the likenesses of Lincoln in many stages of the president’s life. Gage taught sculpture at the University of Southern California for many years and took that experience and created a short film on Lincoln that won an Oscar at the 28th Academy Award in 1956. The film shows Gage molding Lincoln’s face as he narrates Lincoln’s life.
Other artists in this exhibit feature works relating to Presidents and all things symbolic of America. Born in the mountains of southwest Nigeria and US citizen today, Doba Afolabi’s expressionistic rendering of the statue of liberty holds special meaning. Bright splashes of watercolor make up Cheryl Elmo’s portrait of VP Kamala Harris and other political figures. Mihira Karra’s meticulously detailed portraits are made of fabric, paper, and painted colleges. Marcelo Novo was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He graduated as a Professor de Bellas Artes from Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes “Prilidiano Pueyrredon” and studied painting under Surrealist artist Roberto Aizemberg. Painted in official portraiture style and manner, Bradley Stevens, portrays former President Obama prior to his 2008 inauguration. Paula Stern creates terracotta and cast bronze portrait busts of famous leaders President Bill Clinton and Ruth Bader Ginsburg among others. Harking to past Presidents, Joanathan Ribaillier’s layered Michelin map cut-outs portray past presidents Kennedy and Lincoln and make an interesting juxtaposition to Matt Slusher’s realistically detailed drawing of Lincoln in profile on the head a 1944 penny. One of Robert Berks’s most famous works is a bust of former President John Fitzgerald Kennedy that can be found in the Grand Foyer of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC and in this exhibition.
Images of animals that symbolize America also feature in this exhibit. The American Bald Eagle is portrayed in a stunning carved and painted driftwood sculpture by Bernie Houston, and with penetrating expression in an encaustic painting by Marcie Wolf-Hubbard. Two rutting Bisons, national mammal of the USA, is classically portrayed in bronze by sculptor Bart Walter. The American flag, a favorite subject, is presented here in various versions and capture the energy and spirit of America in uniquely diverse ways. Mixed media collage and found objects make up Gavin Sewell’s flag, while Philip Hazard incorporates neon light in his. Jerry Berta constructs laser cut wood panels painted in rainbow colors, and Rachael Bohlander uses acrylic and mixed media to create dynamically bold and colorful renditions.
Now celebrating 44 years in the nation’s capital, Zenith is recognized for its unique mix of contemporary art in a wide variety of media, style, and subject. The gallery provides high-quality acquisition, art consulting, commissioning, appraisal and framing services, through its gallery/salon/ sculpture garden off 16th Street at 1429 Iris St NW, WDC 20012. Zenith also curates rotating exhibits at the Eleven Sculpture Space at 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, WDC 20004.