Tiger, Pheasant and Bopeep 2005Introducing Allison Gildersleeve. I’ve been looking in on Allison’s work over the last 6 years or so – and she has recently started to explore in paint (oil and spray enamel) how spaces become restructured by the emotions they house. She begins by referring to family snapshots and photographs of places where she has lived, then sets off to depict this distinct other “emotional space” altered by the weight, feeling and structure of the accumulated memories and experiences she’s had with a particular place.
After the Woods, 2005
Untitled House, 2004 I love how these paintings have so many coexisting elements: the depth of actual spaces – indoors, outside, or both – areas of flat color, patterns, reflections, and tantalizing bits of details – the corner of a house…a bird…a stuffed animal. In her words, “a topography of recollection, déjà vu, loss, and retelling.” I call them captivating.
Untitled, 2004
From In and Out, 2004Some of these paintings are very large, but she does just as many sweet and small ones on paper too, like the one below.
Untitled, ink and vellum on paper, 2004 You can contact her at agsleeves@yahoo.com -- though don’t be surprised if she doesn’t respond right away – she’s just brought a baby boy into the world (this past weekend!). Congratulations Allison!
If you’d like to see more, take a look at her gallery in the White Columns Curated Artist Registry.
Since it is always best to see art work in person – if you find yourself in Beacon NY over the next few weeks, Allison’s work is in a group show (up until Nov 13th) at
Collaborative Concepts @ Bulldog Studios
211 Fishkill Ave (Entrance on Verplank Ave.)
Beacon, NY
12508
845.528.1797
Hours: Thu-Sun, 12-5
I love these paintings they are so beautiful.
Reminds me of Charles Cobelle.
love love LOVE!
I bought one of Allison's paintings perhaps seven + years ago at a now defuncted gallery on Guerrero Street in San Francisco (I think it was called 360G). The painting was the only one in a group show. It was my first real art purchase.
My collection has grown since then but, I've always wondered if Allison was still working as an artist.
I am so delighted to see that she is and how nicely her work has evolved. I believe she is a talent on the cusp.
Very similar to LA-based artist Mari Eastman. Hmmm.