BACK TO THE BEND: DENNIS BLAGG
Artspace111 presents a solo exhibition by Dennis Blagg entitled Back to the Bend, New Paintings and Drawings. The highly anticipated show of Blagg's work marks his first solo show in the newly renovated gallery at Artspace111.
Dennis Blagg grew up in West Texas on a small cotton farm near Lubbock. As a child he would sit with his bothers and sisters and draw for hours. It is here he developed his love for the open desert. Blagg's vivid Big Bend National Park paintings capture the essence of nature in a duality of the literal and mythical - an exploration that goes beyond reality.
Blagg has had great success with his paintings of these grand monolith landscapes. His resume is filled with over thirty public and private collections including: Museum of South Texas in Corpus Christi, Houston Museum of Fine Arts, and Fort Worth Modern Art Museum. After completing a massive 42-foot painting for the Dallas/Fort Worth International Terminal D in 2005, Blagg had taken a more intimate approach to his breathtaking, near-photographic portraits of the remote mountain desert of Big Bend.
Blagg's spellbinding and beautiful landscapes create a mysterious tranquility that seduces the viewer, making them forget the harsh and inhospitable West Texas land. When describing his work, Blagg explains, "The desert represents a landscape of broken promise, yet it is a place of vast spiritual content... an emptiness waiting to be filled... the Big Bend offers many faces to be painted."
Blagg's show will open with an artist reception Saturday, October 4, 2008, 5 - 8 pm. Guests are invited to enjoy beer and wine by Ben E. Keith, and water by Acqua Panna/San Pellegrino. The artist reception is free and open to the public.
Artspace111 is the talked about new gallery in Fort Worth. A museum-like display space in a rustic brick warehouse by the railroad tracks, combining a world-class operation, a hip clientele, and nationally ranked artist in an open studio setting.
Artspace111 is dedicated to its vital role in the city of Fort Worth, and to making contemporary art approachable to individuals of all ages. With its sculpture garden and its distinctive architectural character, the gallery offers a striking setting to host corporate and private events, and is also available for tours and other social gatherings.
Artspace111 is located east of Downtown Fort Worth at Hampton Street and Weatherford. The gallery is open Tuesday - Friday, 10 - 5 pm, and by appointment on the weekends. To schedule a private viewing, contact Margery Grella by calling 817.692.3228 or emailing art@artspace111.com. To schedule an event, contact Taylor McDaniel by calling 817.909.7490 or emailing events@artspace111.com.
We look forward to seeing you in the gallery!
