FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 10, 2012
Saturday, October 6th, 2012, 12:00-10:00 p.m.; Reception, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Knowledge Bennett Gallery is pleased to announce the grand opening of its gallery space on 408 Emory Street in Asbury Park, NJ. The gallery will open on Saturday, October 6th, 2012 from 12:00-10:00 p.m. with an exhibition reception from 7:00-10:00 p.m. for “In Exile,” a series of oil paintings by artist Michael LaBua. The Knowledge Bennett Gallery will showcase compelling work by artists from across the NY/NJ region and seeks to be a positive addition to the visual arts community in the downtown district of Asbury Park.
Michael LaBua, Asphyxiation, Oil on Linen, 39 in x 59 in, 2012
“Asbury Park offers a unique draw for creative professionals. Having grown up in the city, it’s been exciting for me to return as a working artist and entrepreneur,” said Knowledge Bennett, Owner, Knowledge Bennett Gallery. “Michael LaBua’s oil paintings possess the strength and technical skill I felt were necessary to commemorate the opening of Knowledge Bennett Gallery. Michael and I are looking forward to speaking with gallery visitors at our reception opening. Now that my creative wheels are in motion, my work has just begun in Asbury Park. ”
LaBua pulls his inspiration for “In Exile,” a powerful series of self-portraits, from the work of New York School Poets, Baroque Masters and a return to realism. The series of oil paintings on linen and canvas was completed in 2012. Through the pointedness and vivid quality of his subject matter, Labua seeks to evoke emotion in his audience and inspires dialogue that delves into the human psyche.
Michael LaBua, Calloused Hope, Oil on Canvas, 48 in x 60 in, 2012
The Knowledge Bennett Gallery will offer contemporary works of masterfully skilled and emerging artists, seeking a greater sense of exposure for their creative endeavors. Additional gallery services include in-home consultations, installation projects, private exhibition viewings, and space rental for corporate and charity events. Gallery hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 12 – 6 p.m;, Friday and Saturday, 12 – 9 p.m; and Sunday 12– 6 p.m. Available on Monday by appointment only.
“In Exile” will be on view through November 11th. Call 732-898-2393 or visit knowledgebennettgallery.com for more information. Artists interested in submitting original works for consideration, please contact: [email protected].
Michael LaBua, Verminal Dark, Oil on Canvas, 48 in x 72 in, 2012
Michael LaBua was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1986. He attended Montclair University and the Fashion Institute of Technology. A recent finalist in the 2012 Essie Contemporary Art Competition, LaBua is highly influenced by the manner of Baroque masters Carravagio, Rembrandt, Valasquez, and Vermeer, but more intrigued by the subject matter of Francis Bacon, Borremans, Goya, Heinwein, Nerdrum and Saville. Labua seeks the directness of his subject matter to evoke emotion in his audience, and his paintings act as vehicles for exploring individual feelings and emotions. LaBua lives and works in Woodbridge, NJ.
Knowledge Bennett was born in Asbury Park, NJ in 1976. A self-taught visual artist and fashion photographer, Bennett’s recent medium of choice is serigraphy, otherwise known as fine art screen-printing. His current body of large-scale work depicts iconic figures from various times in American and world history. Inspired by the techniques and subject matter of legendary Pop artists, Bennett is continually drawn to the portrait, exploring various ways to manipulate and adorn his subjects. Bennett is currently working on a series of mixed media canvases with famed handbag and accessories designer Carlos Falci. A native of Brazil, Falchi moved to New York in 1965 and began his career by dressing music icons Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, Cher, Mick Jagger, Andy Warhol and Miles Davis. Their collaborative series of work will feature Falchi’s signature exotic snakeskins in distinctive designs and vivid color combinations with Bennett’s large-scale serigraphs of famed fashion photography. The exhibition will be on view at Knowledge Bennett Gallery in Winter 2013.
Press Inquiries:
inBLOOM Communications
Jennifer Smiga
[email protected] / 201-892-9403
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