Picrophilus Torridus, Adapted to Hot, Acidic Conditions: King of the Fish 2023 40x30 - Hug

Year2023

Hand SignedUpper Right on Verso 

Condition Excellent 

Not FramedGallery Wrapped Does Not Need Framing 

Purchased fromArtist 

Provenance / HistoryThis work metaphorically explores gene spin in extreme conditions, perhaps like organisms might face near underwater heated vents or in thin atmospheres unprotected from radiation. The "genetic strings" are spun with paint attached to a drill with a spinning sponge...to create the send of turning in the image...the work is a part of the consciousness studies series of work focusing on early forms of life in harsh conditions. This series evolved from an earlier group of paintings usually referred to as the "Octopus Meditations". 

Story / Additional InfoScience has made profound discoveries dividing wholes into parts. This is reflected in the unity of knowledge being divided into the great branches of learning. However, as we awaken to the harsh realities of the 21st century, crucial limitations to this enterprise have become evident. For understanding the interconnections within complex systems is as critical as comprehending each individual component. Hence, E.O. Wilson’s appeal for consilience - or the forging of connections between isolated fields of knowledge - is increasingly compelling, even if this will take generations to achieve. Kerns has been a pioneer in this endeavor: he left the ego-obsessed New York art world to foster the genius of a forward-thinking community who together exceed the sum of their parts. If science divides, then art synthesizes, and so it was that Kerns began using science as his conceptual underpinning long before art and science became a trend. 

Certificate of AuthenticityArt Brokerage 

Additional InformationMotivated 

LID159530

Ed Kerns - United States

Art Brokerage: Ed Kerns American Abstract Expressionist Artist: b. 1945. Ed Kerns (February 22, 1945) is an American abstract artist and educator. Kerns studied with the noted Abstract-Expressionist painter, Grace Hartigan and through the elder artist came to know and work with many artists of that generation including, Phillip Guston, Willem de Kooning, James Brooks, Ernest Briggs, Richard Diebenkorn and Sam Francis. Born in 1945 in Richmond, Virginia, Kerns started painting at a young age. He attended the Richmond Professional Institute, receiving his BFA in 1967. He went on to the Maryland Institute, where he studied with painter Grace Hartigan. Here, Kerns received the Hoffberger Fellowship and graduated with an MFA in 1969. Kerns first gained exposure in 1972, when he was commissioned by art collector Larry Aldrich to paint 100 paintings over the course of the year as gifts.That same year, Kerns had his first solo art show at the AM Sachs Gallery in New York. Over the course of the 1970s and 80s, Kerns formed a close partnership with the Rosa Esman Gallery and exhibited ten solo shows there. Of his work in the late 1970s and early 80s, gallery coordinator Judith Stein says, "He works slowly, creating no more than ten large paintings a year. His media are acrylic, sand, and thread, the last used to stitch together sections of canvas. Often plywood or upsom board is used as support." Listings wanted.