Beginning September 16, western Pennsylvania artist Gilbert Gorski returns to Principle Gallery with Into the Woods, a new collection of landscapes in his signature style. Through nearly 30 oil paintings, Gorski “encapsulates the tranquil atmosphere of the natural world through his acclaimed, labor-intensive approach to mark-making and detail work,” says Dominick Cocozza of Principle Gallery. The artist also explores themes of connection and similarity between the human mind and nature.
Giocasso, oil on linen, 18 x 16"“A few years ago, I came upon some books which confirm that trees, particularly in wooded settings, communicate with one another through root systems and fungus,” Gorski explains. “I spend a lot of time walking in the woods, and I have come to think of woods as a living, thinking, interconnected system, perhaps not unlike the human mind. Most of the work in this show investigates that perception—that not unlike the mind, woods are self-contained interiors, while at the same time, infinite in scale and complexity.”
Fantasie Impromptu, oil on linen, 34 x 34"
Gorski also notes that each piece speaks for itself and comes to life in what he calls his “pixelist” technique—not unlike pointillism. “I once taught a seminar on how to use Photoshop,” he recalls of his time teaching visualization techniques at the Illinois Institute of Technology, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Notre Dame. “I was amazed at the pixel of color available when images are enhanced. It allowed me to think about paintings in a different way. When you apply small applications of paint, they vibrate....I challenge people to see these paintings in person, because the best way to look at art is in person, not on your phone.”
Stacatti, oil on linen, 32 x 32"
There’s truly no other way to view Gorski’s cerebral, mystical paintings, but you can still get a sense of his masterful technique in his show pieces pictured here—he often relies on strategies utilized during his first career as an architect. For example, in Quiet Percussion, the composition is divided into quadrants that explore different light values and verticals. While there is a lot that Gorski could divulge to the viewer in each dynamic, shimmering piece, “it is a much more meaningful experience for someone to discover this on their own without being told,” he adds. “When you get close to the canvas, it keeps giving back more and more information.”
Quiet Percussion, oil on linen, 36 x 40"Viewers will also take notice that titles for each piece are references to music, like Fantasie Impromptu, Stacati and Giocasso. “Music is an intuitive, emotional experience to art,” Gorski says. “Music isn’t narrative.” This is to say that Gorski’s paintings, in both style and theme, are also meant to trigger a deeper, more rewarding response. “I don’t like to do what I call ‘calendar art’—spectacular copied scenery. I often reject long held rules for ‘good painting,’” he says. “I look beyond to find something more meaningful.”
The show of new works, which kicks off with an opening reception on September 16 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and closes October 10, is certainly one not to be missed. While this impressive body of work sings in harmony, each individual piece carries an even richer melody when seen up close and in person. Gorski and Principle Gallery invite you on this expressive, revealing journey. —
Principle Gallery 208 King Street • Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 739-9326 • www.principlegallery.com
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