When The Ephemeral Becomes Extraordinary
"Memos From The Ephemeral #33" by Brian David Dennis (2024) mixed media 16 x 48 in.
The collages by Brian David Dennis called “Memos from the Ephemeral” are simply described as mixed media. Yet the fuller explanation is that they are materials typically scavenged from the streets: sheets of plastic, metal, fabric, paper, or tissue — accompanied by fragments of photographs, string, or even lace-like patterns of dried pigments. More importantly, in Dennis’ hands, these found materials — that otherwise would have been doomed to landfills or incinerators — undergo extraordinary transformations.
Aesthetically, these “Memos” are balancing acts in composition, heightened by a delicate tension in the different colors and surface textures of the materials. When immersed in the process, Dennis says, “fleeting notions pour into my work. It’s almost as if I am deciphering telegrams written in tongues. The notes are subtle, intuitive, and often fragile. They are mysterious and poignant, chock full of meaning and devoid of context simultaneously.”
The spirit of Dennis' "Memos From The Ephemeral #27" (2024, 48 x 16 in.) shares an affinity with the concept model for the "Habitable Sculpture" by the collaboration of Philip Johnson and Antonio Vendome in 2000 in New York.
A lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, Dennis quickly settled into collage and assemblage after studying drawing and painting at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He has enjoyed more than 50 exhibitions since 1989.
The spirit of Brian David Dennis' "Memos From The Ephemeral No. 27" (2024, mixed media, 48 x 16 in.) shares an affinity with the concept model for the "Habitable Sculpture" by the collaboration of Philip Johnson and Antonio Vendome in 2000 in New York.
The architectural nature of these vertical compositions also awakens in this writer the pioneering project of New York real estate developer Antonio Vendome, who had long conceived of high-rise architecture as “Habitable Sculpture.” Vendome collaborated with the great modernist architect Philip Johnson in 2000 to create models for such a building.
The horizontal “Memos” — stretching 4 feet wide — could allude to traditional Samurai warrior costumes. Those with semi-circular shapes seem to evoke Japanese fans. Even in Japan’s modern era, one suspects that its Gutai Group — masters of expressionism who emerged in Post-War Japan — would have greatly admired these “Memos.”
"Memos From The Ephemeral #31" by Brian David Dennis (2024) mixed media 48 x 16 in.
It is fitting that these compelling works of grace and sophistication form the inaugural exhibition at Werring Contemporary. Vanessa Werring’s mission is to present contemporary artworks relevant to and reflective of the world around us. Her inaugural exhibition of works by Brian David Dennis makes it clear that her program promises a diversity of styles and mediums by outstanding artists — works that fully embody the qualities of innovation, intellectual rigor, and technical excellence.