‘In Gratitude’ - The Sculpture of Kardash Onnig

‘In Gratitude’ - The Sculpture of Kardah Onning.

Artist, author and gallery owner states: 

"I have known Onnig and exhibited his work for over twenty years at my previous space, New Arts Gallery, as well as in nontraditional spaces such as the Chapel at Wisdom House, both in Litchfield, Connecticut.

This exhibition marks a continuing evolution of sculptor Kardash Onnig. He adheres to the belief that multidimensional forms are closer to truth than the illusions of two dimensional ‘media’. This exhibit, ‘In Gratitude’, is intentionally non-virtual in every respect. He states, “Today, the Renaissance invention of a virtual perspective has reached the ultimate extreme, all but replacing reality with the virtual. The one-eyed has become the king of the blind”.

In Onnig’s work material, shape, form, surface is the means of communication and message. Three dimensional tactile forms, occupying space, invites the viewer’s interaction and curiosity which grounds the encounter in actuality. Both as curator and one who consumes art I observe that his sculpture are symbolic gestures for a greater philosophy which is universality; that which we all have in common. Each work is birthed in care and detail. How they speak to each observer and each other is a microcosm of the world.

This exhibition, as a whole, creates a dialogue and relationships. One between artist and viewer and another between viewer and viewer. What did we both see? What did one not notice but another did? Conversations are started and we drop our biases for a moment and experience a visual language that has the potential for common ground.

Kardash Onnig has always been an artist with a mission. His exhibits and installations always have a message, a theme. For Onnig ‘In Gratitude’ has a purpose and meaning specific to his life and moment. But great art also soars beyond intention and reaches out to the world to be absorbed, contemplated and changes us possibly slightly, sometimes profoundly.

I have seen that exceptional art can sometimes be found out of the limelight of NYC, Basel, Paris, Shanghai and the traditional venues seen globally. I believe this exhibit quite possibly falls into that category."

Exhibition is open from 1 pm to 4 pm on Saturday and Sundays from September 27th through October 26.  Call to make an appointment for viewing on other days.  

Opening reception is on September 27th from 3 to 6 pm.