Artist of the Month, May 2009

Alex Bernstein


Summer Disc, 19" x 19" x 3"
Cast and cut glass   

 

Click on the small images below for larger image and details.

I once wrote that Alex’s background in psychology added breadth and dimension to his art. I have not changed my mind.

Over the past 10 years I have watched his work evolve as he reaches out to explore new paths of expression. At the same time I see a consistency of style that runs through his work and makes it identifiably his. There are his “signature” elements — the fused steel encrusting of glass (a technique that he “discovered” by accident as a boy working in his father’s studio), and the masterful diamond wheel cutting of fused glass to create organic densities of precariously sheer layers and rugged silhouettes.
 
 

The forcefulness and immediacy of his work evoke strong responses. People want to follow him, watch his next steps, the constant stream of ideas that reflect his sense of exploration: an exquisitely cut geometric crystal sculpture set against a brutal, rusted steel backdrop, volcanic bursts of cut glass spewing from a steel-encrusted base, sensuous layers of transparent color intermingling with ambient light. He does not shy from “grotesque”, nor is he afraid of “pretty”. His work reflects the pace of his activity, his feelings and sensitivity to others, a curiosity and enthusiasm for bringing new dimensions to his sculpture.

 

 
 

There are many artists that come to mind when I consider Alex’s work, many of whom worked in the late fifties, early sixties, an era of expressionism in art that brought viewers in direct contact with the artist and his emotions. I am sure that others will seek to employ Alex’s methods, but none will achieve the depth of expressionism, his ability to depict the emotions and responses that objects and events arouse in him. This is the underlying strength of his work in glass.

-Alice M. Chappell, Chappell Gallery-

       

 

 


 Click here for an artist's CV (pdf format).   


                                        

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We are grateful to Chappell Gallery, New York City, for providing the materials for the Artist of the Month.

The Artist of the Month for June will be Laura de Santillana. Materials will be provided by Barry Friedman, Ltd., New York, NY.

 

Click here to return to Artists Of The Month index.

 

last updated on 28 april 2009.


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