"Inner Perceptions, Outer Reflections"

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Blake Ward "Phantom Sky"

Blake Ward "Phantom Sky"

Hilton|Asmus Contemporary presents, “Inner Perceptions, Outer Reflections” a solo exhibition by sculptor Blake Ward Thursday, April 7 through Thursday, May 12. 716 N. Wells Street, Chicago, 60654.

Opening reception: Thursday, April 7, 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm. Gallery Hours, Tuesday - Saturday 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Call 312.852.8200 or contact info@hilton-asmus.com.

A longtime resident of Monte Carlo, Canadian Blake Ward’s new works from his Spirits Collection illustrate his contemporary approach to figurative sculpture in a contrarian break from formal academicism. Ward challenges the classical figure by exposing the interior evoking a dialogue between our internal and external selves.

While building on the techniques of figurative sculpture lost in antiquity, the 59-year-old Ward remains true to their representational qualities, yet his Spirit Collection is a transgression of the rules, crossing over into the abstract and ethereal realms of our inner worlds. Ward’s 1/4 life-size, partial figures materialize before us. Both seductive and tragic, their perfect proportions reflect the hidden perspectives of our human condition. The textured exterior surface alludes to the complexity of our individuality. The open, exposed interior elicits introspection. Holding fast to his love of the human figure, Ward leads us toward self-discovery.

Ward received his Fine Arts Degree from the University of Alberta in 1979 and went on to study classical figurative sculpture in Paris until 1989, when he moved to his current studio in Monte Carlo. When he was invited to teach at the University of Hanoi in 2003, Ward began a journey combining art and activism. His work evolved a bold socio-political voice calling out to our humanitarian dreams of justice, truth, and equality and he has been a positive force raising funds and awareness for the eradication of landmines. Ward’s work has shown in Monaco, England, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong, Delhi, The United States, and Canada.

Blake Ward exhibits across Canada and internationally. Represented by Hilton-Asmus Contemporary, Chicago, Petley Jones Gallery, Vancouver, The Front Gallery, Edmonton, The Rouge Gallery, Saskatoon, Galerie Saint-Dizier, Montreal, The Collector’s Gallery, Calgary, Maison D’art in Monte Carlo and Galleria Enrico Lumina in Bergamo Italy.

http://www.blakesculpture.com, https://www.facebook.com/blakesculpture

http://www.hilton-asmus.com

“Inner Perceptions, Outer Reflections” from Thursday, April 7, 2016, until Thursday, May 12, 2016. HILTON ASMUS CONTEMPORARY • 716 N. Wells Street • Chicago • 312.852.8200 or info@hilton-asmus.com. For information contact James Monaco 1 705 471 1299 james.monaco@fibreop.ca