Louis Buhl & Co. is pleased to present Both/And, a solo exhibition of unique works by Detroit-based artist Ellen Rutt. Across a range of physical and digital media, murals, paintings, performance, installations and collage, Rutt uses an abstract lexicon of color and form to study intangible ideas like boundaries and expansion. Both/And will focus on their “Place Paintings” series—a term they have coined for their body of environmentally-focused action paintings. The works on canvas are primarily made outside of the studio in a wide range of environments—forests, deserts, rural fields, cities, dumpsters, recycling centers, abandoned buildings and even lakes—that speak to the complex and contradicting intersections of consumption, place, identity, and nature. In addition to Both/And, a series of works on paper and studies will fill the back wall in the gallery space, comprising our latest Salon Highlight.
When You Know It’s Time To Leave But You Don’t Know Why Yet And You Don’t Know Where Else To Go, I Found 9 Four Leaf Clovers This Summer, I Can’t Believe How Lucky I Am To Be Here At All—that title is a mouthful—is classic abstract expressionism at its finest while simultaneously reading like a diary entry. Expressive smudges and swirls are strewn across the canvas while dabs of earthy colors and blocks of black hold the composition together. Random thoughts are scribbled in graphite then schmeared, which works for the composition but leaves the reader hanging.
TikTok Didn’t Make Me Queer But The Algorithm Knew Almost Immediately, Loving in Multiplicity, A Thought Crystalized The Universe, Also Remember To Respond To Mom’s Text extends Rutt’s command of this genre—with full disclosure titles—using bars of muted primaries to contain a kinetic ensemble.
Although titled individually, crossover marks, colors and an elongated ochre brushstroke indicate these arched canvases, reminiscent of Byzantine altar triptychs, are one statement. The emoji titles leave their interpretation to the viewer; a departure from the plainspoken bluntness of the previous titles.
The smaller Rearranging, located on the back wall, is a tighter composition layering shapes which create some nice push-pull. Rutt’s palette is consistent making an effortless transition from the larger abstracts.
Due to Rutt’s unvarnished titles and text revealing personal truths regarding mental health, social issues and general life experiences, my suspicion this artist is younger than me was confirmed by the gallery director. My generation was instructed not to air our dirty laundry because it would cause discomfort for others. Stuffing feelings Both/And pretending I was fine when I wasn’t never worked as an effective coping mechanism. The ability to be disarmingly honest is not only admirable, it’s far healthier. None of that would matter, however, if the work wasn’t well executed. Gratefully it is, although I’d love to see these on a 1950’s New York Ab Ex scale. Rutt would give that crew a run.
On view through January 6th at Louis Buhl & Co. 1260 Library Street Alley, Detroit
*images are mine unless otherwise noted
direct quote from gallery statements
**program note: due to limited gallery hours, shows closing or transitioning over the holidays, Real Art Detroit will be on a short break returning on January 13th with new shows to see and discuss. Hope your holiday is peaceful and joyous.
SHOWS CURRENTLY OPEN Check websites for holiday hours
Kim, thank you for the review. I will definitely go and check out the show. Happy Holidays. C