Alex Couwenberg and Stefan Duerst | Intersection: Sculpting and Painting the Unseen A Journey into Abstraction

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Stefan Duerst & Alex Couwenberg

Courtesy of the Gallery.

Opening Reception: Thursday June 1st 5pm - 7pm (with artists in attendance) and  Saturday June 3rd 2pm - 5pm (with artists in attendance)

For California-based Alex Couwenberg, the language of abstraction is used as a means to explore an inner need to create a balanced universe through painting. Similarly, but with a different conclusion, German-born Canada based Stefan Duerst identifies both harmony and minimalism though the clean lines and proportions of his metal sculptures.

Intersection at Kostuik Gallery brings together these two unique abstract artists working in different mediums. Though both artists are fascinated with the process of creating, and the physicality of their materials, their resulting presentations are distinct.

“I try to have an understanding and respect for just about all forms of art and expression, but realized that for me, personally that this was a defining moment. I felt compelled to make work that echoed the beauty in my world and not focus on the dark and pessimistic tones that seemed “in” at that time. I wanted to bring the ideas of balance and resolve in my work to the world as a positive force and not focus on highlighting the negative.” - Alex Couwenberg

“My sculptures play with the perception and stereotype of steel, an inherently rigid and strong, unmovable material. By pushing the limits of its malleability after heating it to 2,400 Degrees Fahrenheit using specialized furnaces and torches, the final shape has taken on qualities usually associated with organic shapes such as wind, water, fire and also fabric. The works are snapshots, capturing energy in motion - a frozen moment in time, which in German is known as Augenblick” - Stefan Duerst