Gallery of the Month: Michael Warren Contemporary
An art gallery is a deliberate space.
Every aspect from the shade of color on the walls to the scent of the candle in the bathroom can be shaped and controlled to give visitors a particular experience. Galleries understand the value in crafting the perfect atmosphere and they expend a great deal of effort trying to strike a balance between welcoming visitors and showcasing art.
When mismanaged, galleries can sometimes feel cold and uninviting. They can become an alien world populated by inaccessible art and esoteric ideas; hardly a place to spend your afternoon. On the flip side, a gallery can be made so comfortable that visitors hardly notice the art at all. Such is the case with the many combination coffee shop/art galleries you can find sprinkled throughout Denver.
But, when a gallery hits the sweet spot between these two extremes, the result is nothing short of magic. This is the art of curation and if you’re searching for a sterling example, look no further than Michael Warren Contemporary.
Located in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe, Michael Warren Contemporary exhibits a compelling assortment of 45 contemporary artists from Denver and around the country. Their collection exhibits an exceptional breadth of mediums and subject matter. Despite this range, each piece fits within the context of the others. They are all united by what I call the “Michael Warren Style”.
Expressive color, creative use of medium, and unique process, these are the criteria for a Michael Warren piece and upon entering the gallery, it is immediately clear that each one lives up to this expectation. Such consistency can only come from a discerning eye or, in the case of Michael Warren Contemporary, two pairs of eyes.
The galleries owners (and namesakes), Michael McClung and Warren Campbell, are its sole curators and from are responsible for its consistent quality. The pair can be found manning the gallery during business hours and are always willing to provide engaging conversation about the art.
The gallery itself is divided into two separate spaces. The first is the main gallery space and is used to showcase individual artists for 5–6 weeks at a time. This room is subdivided into three separate enclaves that allow each artist to exist independently as well as within the context of the others. The second space is an intimate backroom filled with the rest of the Michael Warren collection. This vault overflows with artwork and promises to transform even the most timid enthusiast into a kid in a candy store. Being a backroom, this space has the feeling of exclusivity. But fear not, the owners assure me that all are welcome to peruse the vast collection kept here.
Currently on view at Michael Warren Contemporary, are two artists who exemplify the Michael Warren Style: Daisy Patton and Margaret Lawless.
Throw My Ashes Into the Sea showcases the latest works from Daisy Patton. These pieces deftly straddle the line between collage and painting. Patton’s unique process merges found photos with expressive paintwork to breathe new life into their long-dead subjects. The effect is a strangely comforting mix of morbidity and romance.
Exhibited concurrently with Patton, Creative Destruction presents the work of Denver-based artist Margaret Lawless. Lawless, inspired by the photography of Bernice Abbott, crafts layered cityscapes full of the imagery of modern life and economics. She then subjects each scene to a sanding treatment that creates an entirely new picture by revealing parts of the old. Each of these works is veritable mazes of form, color, and texture full of detail and surprise.
Taken together these shows constitute a poignant commentary on the relationship between the old and the new. They force us to consider the history of ourselves and our society. What ghosts are lurking in the recesses of your photo albums? What remains of the past world in the residue of our city’s streets? These are the questions I find myself asking. But don’t just take my word for it. Go see for yourself on view through March 4th at Michael Warren Contemporary. You won’t be disappointed.
For more information visit: http://www.michaelwarrencontemporary.com
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