Todd Reed, Perimeters and Other Experiences of Edge
September 8 – October 23, 2015
Public Reception: Thursday, October 15, 2015, 6-8pm
University of St. Francis Gallery
25 East Van Buren Street, Joliet, Illinois, 60432
Todd Reed’s solo exhibition, Perimeters and Other Experiences of Edge, now on display at the University of St. Francis Art Gallery is a visual exploration of qualities of weight, shape, physical and negative space and the appearance of light and shadow as a material presence. Reed’s use of industrial materials and simple biomorphic-geometric forms, together with the emphasis placed on the physical space occupied by the artwork, force the viewer to confront the arrangement of the forms and shadows created by the works.
Todd Reed, Screen shot of CAD drawing, 2015
Both positive and negative spaces in Reed’s works are of equal importance. Stepped In Gold Steeped in Gold: a cross between biomorphic and geometric shape is mounted three inches from the wall, creating a harsh shadow. The piece contains a lineless, bluish-black iridescent paint topped with gold, and lightly touched with a thin hand-painted vertical electric blue line. Reed’s mark making challenges the viewer’s notion of space and perception.
Todd Reed, Nice Fold Nice Edge, 2013 Enamel on aluminum, 12”x12”
Reed’s work, minimalistic in nature and op art in construction, begins with a simple CAD drawing of the shape intended. Beginning with a square or rectangle and working within a set of dimensions, Reed draws out the desired shape. By working within the boundaries of a defined two-dimensional area, Reed feels his connection to the conventions of painting, drawing and the picture plane. The drawings are then cut from aluminum at a Tool and Die company in Bloomington, IL using a water jet cutting machine. The machine is used for its precision and ability to leave very clean edges when cutting.
Todd Reed, Inside Out Inside, 2015, Enamel on aluminum, 12”x12”
After the work leaves the metal fabricators, it is mono-chromed at an auto-body shop. His choices in color are not intended to be referential, rather Reed chooses the colors and finishes in anticipation of how he may use color interaction to accomplish optical experiences within the work. The use of mechanically mediated forms allow a purer and ultimately, more phenomenological experience. The hope is to enable ambiguous perceptual and conceptual scenarios for the viewer, yet reference familiar forms from our everyday visual intake.
Todd Reed, House House House, 2015, Enamel on aluminum, 12”x12”
By making use of the interaction of color, shape and three-dimensional edge, Reed creates works that invite viewers to witness an optical phenomenon that has the potential to momentarily confuse visually. Reed creates perceptual tensions between object and image, as well as oscillations between representation and pure abstraction.
Todd Reed, Flag Pin Patriot, 2015, Enamel on aluminum, 12”x12”
Reed completed his BA in 2002 at Eastern Illinois University, and earned his MFA in painting at Illinois State University in 2008. Since completion of his graduate studies, Reed has been exhibiting extensively throughout the Midwest. The artist was recently included in the three-person exhibition Piped, Chopped, and Screwed at Hawkeye Crates in Brooklyn, NY. In addition to exhibiting work, the artist keeps a rigorous teaching schedule between Joliet Junior College, College of Lake County, and McHenry County College. Reed is currently teaching courses in drawing, painting, and art appreciation.
Todd Reed, Screen shot of CAD drawing, 2015
Perimeters and Other Experiences of Edge is on display now through October 23, 2015 at the University of St. Francis Art Gallery, with a public reception Thursday, October 15, 2015, 6-8pm. The Gallery is located at 25 E. Van Buren, Joliet, IL. Gallery hours: Monday – Thursday, 10am-2pm.
Images of the studio process:
Todd Reed working in the tool and die shop where the shapes were cut from aluminum, 2015
Todd Reed working in the tool and die shop where the shapes were cut from aluminum, 2015
Todd Reed working in the tool and die shop where the shapes were cut from aluminum, 2015
Todd Reed working in the tool and die shop where the shapes were cut from aluminum, 2015
Todd Reed working in the tool and die shop where the shapes were cut from aluminum, 2015
Exhibition organized by Jennifer Moore, Gallery Director
