Tom Nussbaum
New Constructions
Organized by Visiting Curator: Dexter Wimberly

September 24–December 19, 2015
Opening Reception Thursday, September 24, 6–9pm

Tom Nussbaum’s work originates from a life-long interest in making art that expresses his view of the world using form and color. Nussbaum’s standing and wall-mounted constructions reflect his exploration of architecture and the structural frameworks of buildings and towers, mixed with references to the human figure. These works emerge from the artist’s deep interest in the formal concerns of painting and sculpture, as well as the interactions of color and form and the associations they carry.Nussbaum explains, “My sculpture grew from non-traditional vessel making into sculptural basket-like forms. This work continued for a number of years in a series of painted wood structures referencing vessel forms, architecture, and the figure. Over time, I continued working with the figure in a series of painted metal sculptures, followed by a series of figures in painted ceramic and plaster/resin. After working with the figure for many years, in 2012 I returned to exploring more abstract structural forms, working in welded steel, wire, and paper.”

Many of Nussbaum’s new works investigate vessel forms or containers, and as such also connect to the history of ceramics and basket making. In his practice, Nussbaum explores the visual connections found in the fabrics and patterns of quilts and textiles from around the world. His new work also references forms found in nature, such as atomic models and cell structure, and man-made patterns such as interconnecting circuits and the worldwide web.

About Tom Nussbaum 
Tom Nussbaum is known for a variety of work including sculpture, drawings, paper cuts, prints, children’s books, animations, functional design objects, and site-specific commissions. His sculpture and works on paper have been exhibited in galleries and museums across the United States, and internationally. Since 1987 he has completed over thirty site-specific commissions located in a variety of public settings including public plazas, train stations, schools, hospitals, and environmental centers.

Nussbaum has been a visiting artist and lecturer at colleges and universities, and has served on many peer review panels and juries. He has been awarded two New Jersey State Individual Artist Fellowships and has been a three time MacDowell Colony Fellow. He currently works from his studios in East Orange, NJ, and Burlington Flats, NY. www.tomnussbaum.com

Shared from Aljira.org

Published by csromanell

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