DAVID BREUER-WEIL: HEAVEN & EARTH

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "DAVID BREUER-WEIL: HEAVEN & EARTH"

Reginald Wilkinson
5 years ago
Views:

hg DAVID BREUER-WEIL: HEAVEN & EARTH E&R Cyzer, 23 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QF Alon Zakaim Fine Art, 5-7 Dover Street, London W1S 4LD Exhibition Dates: Wednesday 9 th October Friday 15 th November

1 hg DAVID BREUER-WEIL: HEAVEN & EARTH E&R Cyzer, 23 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QF Alon Zakaim Fine Art, 5-7 Dover Street, London W1S 4LD Exhibition Dates: Wednesday 9 th October Friday 15 th November 2013 E&R Cyzer and Alon Zakaim Fine Art are proud to present Heaven & Earth by David Breuer- Weil. The exhibition has been conceived to be shown in two separate spaces, dividing the two perspectives of the near (Earth) and the far (Heaven). The contrasting spaces provide the foils for Breuer-Weil s exploration of the deeper relationship between the human, the intransigent, the metaphorical and the otherworldly. The physical scope of Breuer-Weil s work is vast and varied: ranging from monumental paintings on canvas and outdoor bronzes, to intimate works on panel and sketches that fit into stamp books. This range allows him to explore his themes from numerous perspectives and play with the nuances within them. It is this dichotomy that is at the centre of Heaven & Earth. Focusing on the concept of belonging, Breuer-Weil constructs representations of people in places before continuing to consider the wider implications; by placing his subjects far away, in orbit, he extrudes the view of the spectator. Earth is being shown at E&R Cyzer. Throughout the exhibition, the works examine the possible parameters of existence. Alien is a contemporary image of a fallen angel, a humanoid figure whose head is submerged in the ground. The work radiates raw physicality and emotion, left exposed and stripped of its identity. On the walls around it paintings show smaller, unidentifiable figures falling to, resting on or emerging from the earth. Each is powerless in its relationship with its surroundings. The lower gallery contains Islands, a series of paintings that depict a very impersonal world dominated by colour. The figures, unable to exert themselves, are consumed by their respective world s colour. The variation of colour throughout the canvases immerses our sensory perceptions, emphasising the symbiotic relationship of man and his environment. Heaven is exhibited at Alon Zakaim Fine Art. On the ground floor, a number of large canvases depict people and objects revolving around central star motifs. In Large Orbit figures curled up in foetal positions surround the central star evoking both themes of conception and creation whilst simultaneously emphasising man s vulnerability and the 1

2 destructive powers of nature. They are passive observers of the laws of physics but separated from their homes, they are in limbo, at the behest of the star s gravity. The canvases facing this series portray human life continuing in alien circumstances. Upstairs, smaller paintings and bronzes are reminiscent of photographs taken by satellites and telescopes. Breuer-Weil challenges our preconceptions of the meaning of Heaven; at once distant, incomprehensible and alien, it is also rooted in human ideals and fears. Breuer-Weil commented: What is a human being? A tiny figure whose feet are in the mud with a mind that aspires to reach the stars. We are all balanced between dreams and reality, between the spiritual and the physical, between the infinite and the finite, between the desire for immortality and the brutal face of mortality. Man is half angel and half beast. It is the ultimate paradox and one that I explore obsessively. Some of my paintings explore distances and environments light-years away, peopled with new life, aliens and endless possibilities, while others dig into the depths and hidden strata of this spinning, memory-drenched rock we call Earth. Notes to Editors David Breuer-Weil David Breuer-Weil was born in London in His work frequently explores ideas of humanity, history and existence. After studying at Central Saint Martin s School of Art and Clare College, Cambridge he was awarded a bursary at Sotheby s where he stayed until 1997 filling roles in many of the departments. He refers to Sotheby s as the greatest art school in the world, and there is little doubt that the years he spent in direct physical contact with works by the masters of the past enhanced his knowledge of technique and his own artistic direction. Breuer-Weil is famed for his monumental solo shows of vast painted canvases referred to as the Projects. The Project was held in 2001 at the Roundhouse, Camden; Project 2 was held at the Bargehouse, OXO Tower in 2003; Project 3 was then held in conjunction with the Ben Uri Gallery in 2007; and at the beginning of 2013 Project 4 was staged in The Vaults, Waterloo. Alongside the Projects Breuer-Weil continues to produce on a smaller scale works on paper, paintings and sculpture. Recently, Breuer-Weil has created monumental sculptures which have been displayed in London including Hanover Square and Grosvenor Gardens and around the world. Visitor, Visitor 2 and Alien were included in Sotheby s 2010, 2011 and 2013 Beyond Limits exhibitions at Chatsworth House. Breuer-Weil lives and works in London. 2

3 E&R Cyzer The Cyzer Gallery was established in 2002 and specialises in the sale of 20 th Century Modern Masters. The gallery exhibits at international art fairs in Europe and the USA and holds regular gallery shows featuring major works by the great names in 20 th Century Art. Gallery stock always includes a number of fine examples by Marc Chagall, Fernand Leger, Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso and Raoul Dufy. Contemporary artists featured include Roy Lichtenstein, Jean Dubuffet and Frank Auerbach. E&R Cyzer specialises in acquiring important private works on behalf of both private and institutional clients, and has concluded recent sales of Edgar Degas to the J Paul Getty Museum and Pablo Picasso to the National Gallery of Wales. Alon Zakaim Fine Art Alon Zakaim Fine Art strives to be a leader in 19th Century, Impressionist, Post Impressionist and Contemporary art. Dealing in a unique range of work, the gallery exhibits a distinguished collection of high quality paintings and sculptures. The gallery aims to provide a knowledgeable, efficient and accessible service to all their clients. Throughout the calendar year, Alon Zakaim Fine Art presents a diverse sequence of solo and group exhibitions to the public across two Mayfair galleries. The programme features a wide breadth and depth of artists, with only the highest quality works selected. Alongside the major Impressionist artists including Monet, Sisley, Renoir and Pissarro, and key Modern works by artists such as Picasso, Leger, and Chagall, the gallery features solo exhibitions of both up and coming artists and established names on the contemporary art market. 3

4 Fact Sheet Exhibition Title David Breuer-Weil: Heaven & Earth Location E&R Cyzer, 23 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QF Alon Zakaim Fine Art, 5-7 Dover Street, London W1S 4LD Exhibition Dates Wednesday 9 th October Friday 15 th November 2013 Opening Hours E&R Cyzer: Monday-Friday, 10am - 6pm Alon Zakaim Fine Art: Monday-Friday, 9am - 6pm At weekends by appointment only Admission Free Artist website Follow David on twitter, and #DBWHeavenEarth How to get there Both galleries are located in Mayfair. The nearest underground stations are Green Park (on the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines), Bond Street (on the Central and Jubilee lines) and Piccadilly Circus (on the Bakerloo and Jubilee lines). The nearest rail station is London Charing Cross. All enquiries, high res images and further information: Chloé Nelkin, Chloé Nelkin Consulting E: chloe@chloenelkinconsulting.com, M: W: 4

5 David Breuer-Weil, Bipolar, 2007, oil on canvas, 196 x 426 cm (courtesy of the artist) David Breuer-Weil, Aspirants, 2013, acrylic on canvas, 200 x 281 cm (courtesy of the artist) 5

DAVID BREUER-WEIL: HEAVEN & EARTH

hg DAVID BREUER-WEIL: HEAVEN & EARTH E&R Cyzer, 23 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QF Alon Zakaim Fine Art, 5-7 Dover Street, London W1S 4LD Private View: Tuesday 8 th October 2013, 6.30pm 8.30pm (reception