Behind them are more figures, and on the walls around them are patterned panels—some of them reflecting the light and some of them so brightly colored that they seem to glow. Titled “Conversation: Unspoken Language,” this is a show of new work by ceramic sculptor Kensuke Yamada and mixed-media artist Leigh Suggs, which runs through June 26 with a reception on Saturday, June 4 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.
Kensuke Yamada’s six pieces are each titled “Swimmer.” With large heads and squat bodies, they are a group of slightly unruly children, each of them preparing to take a plunge. Loosely but expertly rendered, the figures have rough and scruffy surfaces, most of them inscribed with mysterious “x” and “o” marks. The attitude of these swimmers is somehow both cautious and exuberant, and they exhibit so much life that viewers may be tempted to speak to them. Yamada most recently was visiting artist, ceramics technician, and instructor at the University of Arkansas. He is currently in residence at Cheekwood Botantical Garden in Nashville, TN. His work has been widely exhibited in galleries in Seattle, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, and other cities.
Leigh Suggs refers to her pieces in the exhibition as “sculptural paper,” which is surprising given that all of the pieces hang on the wall, and many of them are framed. However, with surfaces that range from highly reflective to fluorescent green and intricately hand-cut patterns that create weave-like textures in some pieces and topographic undulations in others, this almost-flat work suggests so much dimension that it seems fair to call it sculpture. There are perceptual games going on with this work as well—some of the reflective pieces steal color from their cousins across the room, and several of the panels have bright colors that are concealed on the back of the paper, but mysteriously leak out as the viewer moves past them. A recent MFA graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Suggs has exhibited her work in numerous shows in Virginia and North Carolina.
This exhibition is a great opportunity to visit the recently renovated and expanded Penland Gallery, which is also featuring functional work by potters Forrest Middelton and Adam Field in the Focus Gallery, and a site-specific installation by Asheville artist Jackson Martin. This intriguing piece includes steel structures, live juniper trees, and raked gravel patterns. Also on view are large, outdoor sculptures by area artists Hoss Haley and Bill Brown, Jr. The Visitors Center Gallery has an ongoing display of objects that illuminate Penland’s history. And the gallery sales area represents hundreds of artists who are affiliated with the school.
The Penland Gallery & Visitors Center is located on Conley Ridge Rd. just off of Penland Rd. in Mitchell County (near the town of Spruce Pine). It is the first building on your right as you enter the Penland campus. The gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10-5pm. Sunday Noon-5pm; closed Mondays.
(828)765-6211 or visit penland.org/gallery.