OPENING RECEPTION
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14 , 2016
7-10PM

ON VIEW
OCTOBER 14 - NOVEMBER 5 , 2016

For more info on available works by Meryl Pataky, please contact info@stephaniechefas.com

Payment plans are available upon request.

PRESS

Exhibition feature on Juxtapoz Magazine

Widewalls feature by Elena Martinique

Venison review by Danielle Schlunegger-Warner

Supersonic Art feature by Zach Tutor

Platinum Cheese exhibition recap by Mr. Cheeks

Stephanie Chefas Projects is delighted to present COLORWAYS, a stunning solo exhibition featuring new neon work from Oakland based artist Meryl Pataky.  With previous exhibits, Pataky frequently employed text and organic elements to explore the cosmos and our place in it. COLORWAYS sees Pataky veering away from strict figurative language and delving into the realm of abstract. Drawing upon her desire to break new ground as well as fortify her devotion to light, COLORWAYS explores aesthetic through experimentation to mind-blowing effect. 

While vibrant hues of blue, pink and green are present in COLORWAYS, the color white predominates. In color theory white is a collection of all colors, much like a prism, and therefore remains a constant theme in the artist's current work. "Light is how we see the world around us and the science of that is contained in these vessels harboring noble gas and electricity. Both additive and subtractive color theory are present in a neon tube", states Pataky. "Subtractive being the light, phosphor powders (when present) being the additive".  

In addition to a new level of attention towards hue, Patkay experiments with adding chrome block and borax crystals to the tubes in an effort to soften the neon to the background. In certain works, Pataky completely obscures the face of the neon, thereby leaving a cast light as the main viewable element.  "By experimenting as much as possible with my medium, I find that I continue to see joy in the medium", says Pataky. "Right now experimentation is a huge part of my process".

Taking the scientific feel of the show even further, Pataky rejects the idea of hiding wires and power sources. Instead she chooses to exaggerate it in certain works and arrangements to demonstrate the entirety of the elements involved -  similar to a painter showcasing a raw stretched canvas and its imperfect sides without a frame or a welder keeping raw welds instead of finishing them smooth. 

The opening reception for COLORWAYS will be held at Stephanie Chefas Projects on Friday, October 14th from 6-9pm. Stephanie Chefas Projects is located in Portland, Oregon at 305 SE 3rd Avenue on the second floor of the Urban Row building. The exhibition will be on view through November 5th, 2016 and is free and open to the public.

ARTWORK