MARFA — An exhibition of Zeke Williams’ new work Clear Path opens this Friday, October 11, at Eugene Binder with a reception for the artist from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 218 N. Highland in Marfa. Williams’ polychrome wood reliefs bring together abstract patterns, vivid color, and in some examples, images of birds camouflaged within the patterns and color.
He creates his works by using a CNC router that cuts shapes into plywood; Williams then assembles the cut plywood components into sections which are painted, leaving areas where the router has removed material raw unpainted as linear cutouts. By creating contrasting surfaces he gives his work a three-dimensional aspect as well as a lenticular effect — causing the surfaces to appear to change slightly when viewed from different angles.
Each work has the characteristic of an intricately thought out puzzle that the artist has assembled in front of the viewer. Linear and contour patterns are perceived in a state of flux. In several of the works images of the birds are lurking in a camouflaged environment of abstract patterns.
Zeke Williams’ exhibition here in West Texas coincides with the vast migration of birds passing through the region, some flying thousands of miles to their southern destinations, predominantly at night. The works that include images of birds take on the deportment of portraits of heroism, given the daunting challenges these migratory birds have to overcome to complete their journey.
The artist would like to thank the McDonald Observatory’s Dark Skies Initiative for helping birds travel safely without disorienting light sources.
For further information, please call Eugene Binder at 432-729-3900.