~ERIK PARKER

ERIK PARKER – ‘BETWEEN THE LINES’
FEBRUARY 16 – MARCH 8, 2008
MARIANNE BOESKY GALLERY – 509 WEST 24TH ST – CHELSEA – NY

ERIK PARKER also opened a show, of works on paper in the PROJECT SPACE, in the small front room of the MARIANNE BOESKY GALLERY, on Friday, Feb 16, 2008. After a long-time association with LEO KOENIG – ERIK seems very happy to be here. Unlike his previously exhibited large canvases, here he presents a small series of drawings on paper, sometimes: 2 to a frame – that seemed much more intense and focused, despite the smaller size, or because of it ? These drawings were also unique from his past work in their utilization of rows of tiny inventive, and ‘serially’ expressive cartoon-type embellishments – essentially – contemporary hieroglyphics. Though colorful, and full of cartoonish imagery – that imagery was often more wicked, than light-hearted – so the work had a real edge – that, close up – seemed very hard, and almost totally dark in spirit.

Erik # 1
ERIK PARKER at the opening of ‘BETWEEN THE LINES’, FEB 16, 2008, MARIANNE BOESKY GALLERY, NY.

Erik # 2
MARIANNE BOESKY, at the ERIK PARKER opening.

Erik # 3
a guest studies an ERIK PARKER drawing, at the opening.

ERik # 4
ERIK PARKER, ‘CORE’, acrylic and ink on paper

ERik # 5
detail, ERIK PARKER, ‘CORE’ – one of the more light-hearted, but still – sobering pieces.

ERIK # 6
detail, ERIK PARKER, ‘CORE’ – those yellow orbs – are reminiscent of those early 80s KEITH HARING metal ‘buttons’ & are about the same size, too.

Erik # 7
ERIK PARKER, ‘KEEP IT TOGETHER’ – !!

Erik # 9
watch out – there’s always a new wave of young artists wanting to make it to the top. from left: NIKITA SHOSHENSKY & MATTHEW STEINBERG a couple of local talent – NYC boys, who made it thru LaGuardia H.S. and COOPER UNION – and are looking to make the real scene, now. at the ERIK PARKER opening. FEB 16, 2008

Erik's card
ERIK PARKER had a really great card – it was cut from hard card stock – to resemble an old vinyl 45rpm – the lettering was in a great raised typeface – of iridescent cobalt blue.

Erik # 10
another drawing in the show, ERIK PARKER, ‘NEVER RUN’

Erik # 11
detail, ERIK PARKER, ‘NEVER RUN’

Erik # 12
detail, ERIK PARKER, ‘NEVER RUN’ – what do they say – God is in the details ?
. . . no, just remembered – the saying is: the DEVIL is in the details !!!!
PHOTOS: NANCY SMITH

see: more of the work, here !! / on the gallery website
unfortunately there are no close-ups – so if you’re in NYC – your gonna have to get up off the couch – and go see the show up live and personal.

MARIANNE BOESKY