Selected Works: Jennifer Bartlett • Mel Kendrick • Alan Shields

A selection of pastels by Jennifer Bartlett (b. 1941), sculpture by Mel Kendrick (b. 1950) and prints by Alan Shields (1944-2005) will be on view at The Drawing Room in East Hampton January 14 through March 28, 2011 (closed February 17 – March 17). This exhibition considers the integral roles of materials, process and personal geometries in the work of three noted artists who emerged in the New York art world during the late 1960s and early 1970s when the tenets of Minimalism were being redirected and challenged by a younger generation.

Throughout her career, Jennifer Bartlett has adopted a serial approach to explore her iconic subjects of house and garden in a variety of media, most often within the parameters of her preferred square format. Three pastels on view here belong to a series focused on the vernacular structures and surrounding landscape of a restored sugar plantation on the Caribbean island of Nevis. Each lush drawing is dominated by a colorful cottage façade bathed in brilliant tropical light. Whether describing a red wall set off by the cobalt-blue trim of a gable roof (a favorite motif), or the interlaced detail of a porch railing, Bartlett’s eye gravitates toward imagery with an inherent geometry. Complimenting the compositional rigor of each richly layered drawing, landscape references serve as reminders that these expressive works on paper are also a sensitive and personal homage to place. Harnessing the potential of her materials to produce broad or frenzied gestures and more intricate staccato touches, Bartlett is clearly in full command of her medium.

See below for full press release and selected works.