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October Issue 2006
Robert Lange Studios in Charleston, SC, Features Works by J.J. Ohlinger
J.J.
Ohlinger's About Face series takes another turn with a
second installment of tightly cropped 3-by-4-foot watercolors.
The show, appropriately titled About Face Part II, will
open on Oct. 6, at Robert Lange Studios in Charleston, SC. It
is the follow-up to Ohlinger's exhibition at the City Gallery
at the Dock Street Theatre in Charleston. In this ongoing series
of paintings, Ohlinger investigates the human form, particularly
the face, with tightly and uniquely cropped works. The exhibit
continues through Oct. 31, 2006.
Ohlinger's About Face series, which is inspired by the artist's graphic design background, is composed of straightforward portraits of very close-up parts of the body. Each portrait glorifies the smaller details of an individual by making them grand scale.
"There is an authenticity, accuracy and immediacy that J.J. has captured in this body of work," says gallery director Megan Lange. "Perhaps because he knows his subjects he remains discreet and keeps the viewer at a respectful distance; almost protecting the subject's full identity."
Showing just a small piece of a person in a grand way gives the viewer an insight into something that would normally be inaccessible - the fascinating details that we can never get close enough to. This has emerged as the hallmark that Ohlinger is becoming known for. Beginning first with his leg series in 2002, where just a woman's legs were visible out of the darkness of a room, Ohlinger has been capturing the grandeur of people's parts.
The issue of his subject's identity is breached
not only in the work itself, but also in the playful way that
Ohlinger titles his paintings after his subjects. In describing
this body of work, Ohlinger states, "I give you a name and
a fragment of information, the rest is up to you. The public demands
information and keeping it from them only makes them want it more."
Robert Lange Studios features the best of contemporary painters
and photographers, including Robert Lange, J.B. Boyd, John Duckworth,
and Wade Lawrence.
For further info check our SC Commercial
Gallery listings, call the gallery at 843/805-8052 or at (www.robertlangestudios.com).
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