Julia Fish’s work is a testament to the power of observation and reflection. Her ability to transform the mundane details of her surroundings into intricate visual compositions is truly remarkable. Fish’s exploration of geometry, architecture, light, and music creates a rich tapestry of interconnected ideas and emotions.
In her current exhibition, “Transcriptions, Apparitions,” at David Nolan Gallery, Fish presents a diverse range of works that showcase her unique artistic vision. From paintings to drawings to interventions in the gallery space itself, Fish’s work invites viewers to engage with the subtle nuances of her creative process.
One standout piece in the exhibition is “[ score for ] Trio in red yellow blue, with variations for fifty-nine steps/seven flights/three stairways at 5020 South Cornell Avenue” (2006). This work, inspired by the Hyde Park Art Center in Chicago, delves into themes of history, memory, and time. The meticulously crafted drawing on graph paper, with its precise arrangements of colored rectangles, invites viewers to contemplate the connections between past and present, personal and collective experience.
Fish’s work challenges viewers to look beyond the surface and engage with the deeper layers of meaning embedded in her compositions. By combining elements of architecture, music, and visual art, Fish creates a multi-dimensional experience that transcends traditional boundaries.
Overall, Fish’s work is a testament to the power of art to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Her ability to capture the essence of her surroundings and translate it into a visual language is a testament to her talent and creativity. “Transcriptions, Apparitions” is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of art, architecture, and human experience. The exhibition at David Nolan Gallery showcases Julia Fish’s meticulous and thought-provoking artwork. Each step in Fish’s process is bookended with a primary color, adding a visual element to her intellectual exploration. While the logic behind her color choices may not be immediately apparent, the depth and complexity of her work transcend the need for explanation.
Fish’s pieces are a study in rigor, austerity, and simplicity, yet they exude a sense of joy and creativity. Her transcriptions of light, physical space, and historical context capture the essence of time passing through architectural sites. Rather than simply recreating the past, Fish delves into the overlooked presence of time, inviting viewers to contemplate their own mortality and engagement with art.
In “Study for Threshold – Plan : [ las meninas ] [ spectrum : east to west over grey ]” (2018), Fish uses pale gouache on gray paper to connect architectural thresholds to the dresses in Velasquez’s “Las Meninas.” This juxtaposition invites reflection on how we interact with art and consider our own passage through life. Fish’s work goes beyond a literal interpretation, encouraging viewers to explore the broader implications of her subtle and tactile creations.
Throughout the exhibition, there is a sense of mysticism in Fish’s art. She uncovers the magical in the ordinary, much like Bach believed in the divine presence within art. Fish’s keen eye for light and shadow reveals auras and apparitions that go unnoticed by many. Her dedication to seeing the extraordinary in the everyday sets her work apart and infuses it with a sense of wonder.
“Julia Fish: Transcriptions, Apparitions” is a captivating display of Fish’s artistic vision and talent. The exhibition at David Nolan Gallery in Manhattan offers a glimpse into Fish’s unique perspective on time, space, and art. Through her meticulous transcriptions and delicate compositions, Fish invites viewers to see the world in a new light and contemplate the hidden beauty that surrounds us.
