Chosen by Mousse at London Gallery Weekend, June 2023.

The exhibition in London examines the importance of summary portray as we speak, from Garrels’s perspective. Juxtaposing a various vary of approaches to modern abstraction, the exhibition brings collectively works by three generations of artists, together with some by no means earlier than proven by Gagosian. 

“To Bend the Ear of the Outer World” is the conceptual successor of “Oranges and Sardines” (2008–09), an exhibition of summary portray organized by Garrels on the Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, which included work by a number of the similar artists. The titles of each exhibitions are derived from verses by Frank O’Hara.

The exhibition surveys modern summary portray by an set up that emphasizes the individuality of every work and artist, whereas encouraging viewers to search out affinities between them. It displays ongoing conversations concerning the chances of abstraction with artists Garrels has lengthy admired, together with others he found within the strategy of planning the exhibition. He relates: “As a curator, I’ve discovered that artists have a look at artwork with a spotlight and scrutiny, a criticality and engagement, that few of us can summon with the identical depth.”

That depth of engagement informs the methods through which these artists proceed to push the boundaries of abstraction. Avoiding systematic or theoretical restrictions, they’re united by an expressive subjectivity, growing their practices in dialogue with their friends and in relation to over a century of innovation in nonrepresentational artwork making. The multiplicity and vitality of works on view communicate to the continued relevance of summary portray.

Collaborating artists:
Tomma Abts, Richard Aldrich, Tauba Auerbach, Frank Bowling, Mark Bradford, Cecily Brown, Vija Celmins, Matt Connors, Tomm El-Saieh, Jadé Fadojutimi, Suzan Frecon, Katharina Grosse, Mark Grotjahn, Wade Guyton, David Hammons, Mary Heilmann, Thilo Heinzmann, Richard Hoblock, Jacqueline Humphries, Suzanne Jackson, Jennie C. Jones, Brice Marden, Helen Marden, Julie Mehretu, Oscar Murillo, Albert Oehlen, Laura Owens, Nathlie Provosty, David Reed, Gerhard Richter, Amy Sillman, Pat Steir, Ryan Sullivan, Lesley Vance, Charline von Heyl, Mary Weatherford, Stanley Whitney, Pamela Helena Wilson, Terry Winters, Christopher Wool, and John Zurier.

Curated by
Gary Garrels

at Gagosian, London
till August 25, 2023