GVG Contemporary debuts new artwork, a new warehouse exhibition, and studio space in Santa Fe.
(re)purpose
opening: Friday, July 15, 5-7 pm MT
GVG Contemporary, Santa Fe
With an exhibition aptly titled (re)purpose, GVG Contemporary debuts new artworks and a new warehouse exhibition and studio space. Highlights of the exhibition are new sculptures, paintings, and sculptural furniture by gallery co-owner Ernst Gruler, who incorporates repurposed elements into many of his pieces.
A master technician with a highly developed aesthetic eye, Gruler explains how the new studio supports his work and vision: “A larger space allows me the opportunity to re-evaluate my materials and my process. I’ll be bringing in some new technology and new materials, and moving beyond a focus on salvaged steel and found industrial objects.
“I’m taking the learned sensibilities of repurposing scrap steel and augmenting this with more fabricated forms as I continue to investigate functional art (sound sculpture, furniture, and lighting), kinetic sculpture, and build forms for their own sake.”
Gruler is well known for his ergonomic chairs, tables, dining sets, and furniture pieces with distinctive contemporary designs made from wood laminates. In recent years, Gruler has incorporated wood, steel, and other unexpected materials into a line of hybrid furniture, lamps, and paintings.
In one of his largest gestures of repurposing, Gruler has transformed a large warehouse on the corner of Rufina Street and Rufina Circle into an expanded metal studio and a new showroom for GVG. After twelve years of exhibiting on Canyon Road, the pandemic sent GVG to the Siler-Rufina Arts District (near Meow Wolf), where they have since decided to stay. Now open by appointment (or chance), the new warehouse, with a large exterior sculpture space, offers a highly visible art venue along with the opportunity for visitors to venture into Gruler’s working metal studio.
Additionally, (re)purpose features the work of Jeffie Brewer, including new large-scale steel sculptures and new iterations of his iconic critters, creatures, and symbols.
GVG co-owner Blair Vaughn-Gruler also exhibits her paintings in the gallery space, and her warehouse studio and showroom (next door) will be open to the public on July 15.
Gruler’s work is also available at Acosta Strong Fine Art, and Vaughn-Gruler’s work is available at Kay Contemporary Art, both on Canyon Road in Santa Fe.
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