Jean Wolff
Born – Detroit, Michigan Works in Brooklyn, New York.
Education
Masters of Fine Arts. Hunter College, City University of New York. New York, NY.
Bachelors of Fine Arts. The University of Michigan.
Artist Statement
I have concentrated on working within a reduced visual vocabulary consisting of two elements – predominately, the circle and the grid. My primary interest is in exploring the relationship of the grid (or suggestion of a grid) to the geometric elements that are contained within it. Through the manipulation of color and spatial elements, the circle and grid are systematically broken down by the tension of a push/pull scenario. In addition, by changing the scale of the circles and the grid, as well as, deconstructing the grid, I’ve expanded the existing visual vocabulary. In creating these works, I am exploring the many possible configurations and relationships of the elements within the canvas plane, creating an emotional and visual experience. Recently completed works are introducing the further deconstruction of the grid and the regrouping of the circle. Ultimately, it is the depth of possibilities that the circle, grid and color present that is of the utmost importance in my work.
I am interested in forging a system over structure, but not simply by deploying shifts in pattern, color and materials or by working differently with the physicality of density, layers and collision. Meaning is also derived from reference and form as well as consideration of the micro/macro parallel relationships in these paintings. Content is created as if seen through examination under a microscope or gazing at something barely decipherable from a distance, through water, or up at the heavens. It’s not unlike the exploration of objects/subjects that are being intimately observed, like seeing the meniscus of the cell or the act of removing color from the ground. Along with the intersection of nature and myth, the forms in the paintings can take note of all this, authorizing a space, so that the surface space and paint, are one.
One Person Exhibitions
2010 Simon Gallery, Morristown, NJ.
2007 “5:5:5” Traeger & Pinto Gallery, Mexico City, Mexico.
Simon Gallery, Morristown, NJ.
2006 “Recent Work.” Robert Steele Gallery, New York, NY.
Selected Group Exhibitions
2010 “It’s a Wonderful 10tth..” Sideshow Gallery, Brooklyn, NY.
2009 “Painting Invitational.” The Painting Center, New York, NY.
“Koegel, Roudane, Sharer & Wolff.” Slate Gallery, Brooklyn,
NY.
“It’s a Wonderful Life.” Sideshow Gallery, Brooklyn, NY.
2008 “No Chromophobia.” OK Harrris Gallery, New York, NY.
2006 “The Square.” The ‘temporary Museum of Painting,
Brooklyn, NY.
“The Printed Image.” Steamboat Springs Arts Council
Gallery, Steamboat Sprints, CO.
2005 “Summer View: a group exhibition of paintings and
sculpture.” Robert Steele Gallery, New York, NY.
2003 “Abstraction.” Robert Steele Gallery, New York, NY.
“Summer Group Show, Gallery Artists.” Robert Steele
Gallery, New York, NY.
“Project Room: Jean Wolff.” Robert Steele Gallery, New
York, NY.
2001 “The Pierogi Flatfiles.” Block ArtSpace, Kansas City, MO.
2000 “Print Publishers Spotlight.” Barbara Krakow Gallery,
Boston, MA.
“The Pierogi Flatfiles.” Yerba Buena Center for the Arts,
San Francisco, CA.
“The Pierogi Flatfiles.” Post Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
1999 “Alter Egos“ The One Club, New York, NY.
“Piergoi 2000: The Flatfiles.” Rosenwald-Wolff Gallery,
The University of the Arts. Philadelphia, PA.
1998 “Pierogi goes to College.” Bard College, Rhinebeck, New
York.
“The Flatfiles.” Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY.
“Pierogi 2000, New York: The Flatfiles.” Kunstler
Haus, Vienna, Austria.
1997 “Intimate Universe [revisited].” James Howe Fine Arts
Gallery of Kean University. Union, NJ.
“Process Becomes Poetry.” Robert Steele Gallery. New
York, NY.
“Art on Paper,” Weatherspoon Art Gallery, The
University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC.
“New York Drawers: The Pierogi 200 Flatfiles.”
Gasworks, London, traveling to Corner House,
Manchester, UK.
“Current Undercurrent: Working in Brooklyn.” Brooklyn
Museum of Art. Brooklyn, NY. Co-organized
by the Brooklyn Museum of Art and Pierogi 2000 in
cooperation with Momenta Art and ARENA.
“Abstraction Index.” Condeso/Lawler Gallery. New
York, NY.
“Intimate Universe [revisited].” Robert Steele Galley.
Curated by Michael Walls. New York, NY.
“Winter Invitational.” O’Hara Gallery. New York, NY.
by artist Adam Simon
and commissioned by
All artworks copyright by their respective owners.