clark derbes : History Paintings

'FIRST WEDNESDAY' OPENING: 2/7, 7 - 11 P.M.
ARTICULATE ARTIST TALK: SUNDAY, 2/11 AT 4 P.M.

History Paintings is Clark Derbes' second exhibition at BRG since becoming an artist member in 2014. A Louisiana native born in 1978, Derbes has made his home in Burlington, Vermont since 2006. He has spent the last decade salvaging large hardwood chunks from local arborists, carefully applying his chainsaw to sculpt them, and then meticulously painting these unique tromp l’oeil works in deceptive grids - simultaneously experimenting with space and physical mass while playing with the viewer’s perception.  

In and out of the studio -Derbes takes joy in working en plein aire- his fine art painting shifts back and forth between paper, panel, and 3D sculptures, each informing the other. Conceptually he straddles two approaches to art making- one foot in the gallery, museum and commercial art world, and the other foot in post modern, art-as-gift, public intervention practice.

Ever mindful of his roots, Derbes remains closely tied to the community of Baton Rouge - executing numerous public artworks over two decades. Prolific and opportunistic, he is deeply engaged with the people, youth, and public spaces in both Vermont and Louisiana's capital city.

This exhibition is presented alongside the latest works from Charles Barbier, Paul Dean, and Tom Richard. It will be open to the public, free of charge, during normal gallery hours (12 - 6 p.m.) February 4 - March 1, 2018.