Jay Grimm Gallery Archive

For Immediate Release:

Abstract Paintings by Jon McCafferty and Jeff Burch at Jay Grimm Gallery, Chelsea Paintings by Jon McCafferty and Jeff Burch will be shown at Jay Grimm Gallery from January 22 through March 6, 1999. There will be a reception at the gallery on Thursday, January 21^st, from 6 to 8, P.M., and both artists will be present.

The show juxtaposes two painters who create vibrant surface-oriented abstractions. Abstract painting continues to persist in contemporary art despite the perception that it is a traditional mode with little relevance. Several recent exhibitions in galleries and museums have focused on younger artists who exploit the visually appealing aspects of paint. The current interest in work that embraces the surface and the optical illusions made possible by paint demonstrates the enduring beauty of the medium.

Jon McCafferty was in a recent group show, "YoYoGaGa" at Feature, New York, and has shown at Caren Golden, New York and the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center in Brooklyn. McCafferty creates a striking pictorial space that allows a subtle and sophisticated manipulation of color. Applying paint slowly in countless layers, he seamlessly unites individual gestures to create paintings that reward the contemplative gaze with their complexity.

Jeff Burch's vigorous works are more monochromatic and incorporate holograms from basketball trading cards. In the current series, the holograms contain images of NBA stars, which blink in and out of view as the eye moves across. This visual activity mimics and parodies the optical space of the paintings that contain them. Like McCafferty, Burch creates a bold, shallow space that serves as a screen for his painterly gestures. Jeff Burch's work was included in last season's "Emerging Artists" show at PaceWildenstein, SoHo, and in a group show, "Rip Torn" at B Side Gallery, New York.

Jay Grimm, was Assistant to the President of PaceWildenstein, New York for the past three years before opening his gallery in November. Grimm also worked for four years at Joan Washburn Gallery, New York. He holds a Master's Degree in Art History and Criticism from SUNY/Stony Brook and is Editor-in-Chief of Critical Review (creview.com), an electronic publication of art reviews.

Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11-7 P.M. until July 4^th; Tuesday through Friday, 11-6 P.M. after July 4^th. Please contact the Gallery at 212.564.7662 for images and additional information.