“Paul Kotula Projects is excited to announce the opening of The Annex, a space featuring the collection of Dr. Myron and Mrs. Joyce LaBan. The Annex will feature an evolving exhibition that continues through September 26. Joyce and Myron LaBan shared passions for art, travel and dance. Synergy presents a selection of works they collected throughout their 70 year relationship.”
The adoring couple spent their Wednesdays scouring for works that delighted their Bloomfield Hills 70s style home. When Joyce passed away, they had amassed a substantial collection, of which a generous complement is showcased at Paul Kotula’s temporary space on Hilton, all with documented provenance.
With particular enthusiasm for 3D, they acquired Charles McGee’s Patches of Time well before colossal fabrications like United We Stand located at the Wright (the sculpture seen Real Art Detroit’s banner). In McGee’s signature style, paint is hand applied directly to aluminum cutouts in irregular squiggles and dashes. The companion piece behind Patches is Peter Williams’ Lower Manhattan, made in response to 9/11. Structural elements and warped buildings are heavily painted creating tactile dimension.
Kotula worked with Goodman for years prior to her artworld ascension. He loves her thick impasto and admires how she attends her edges like the subtle orange framing this abstraction. Goodman expertly balances the dense paint applied straight out of the tube with the dull olive green smoothness in negative space. Makes sense this collector was attracted to such a rugged surface.
In stark contrast, Bohnert’s Cadence is airy and playful. Evidenced by visible drips, kiln fired material secures various components as the delicate figure precariously balances on a rudely glazed ceramic ball.
Paper documents from when Japan was isolated are recycled and formed on an armature into a golden curved horizon. Some of the residual text is displayed backwards, treating marks as shapes contributing to the overall composition.
The LaBans collected several local makers including Sharon Que. This early piece exhibits the artist’s fastidious drawing and woodworking skills coupled with random indications of aging iron. The dark navy wall accentuates the orangey yellow while the golden pockets shimmer. A peek-a-boo floral cutout discloses a naturally occurring bit of wood in a balanced, off-center arrangement.
Viewing a lifetime of very personal acquisitions made with love and passion is an intimate experience. Each piece resonated with the buyers who chose just the right placement in their home for maximum enjoyment. The presentation of such a collection is impressive while bittersweet. Wednesdays will never be the same.
On view through 9/26 (possibly longer) at PKPs the Annex 542 Hilton Rd., Ferndale
*Special note of gratitude for Paul Kotula renewing support of Real Art Detroit at the Founding Member level. For decades Paul has exhibited the very best Detroit has to offer including Peter Williams, Jim Chatelain, Cynthia Greig and Tom Phardel. He continues to showcase the vanguard of innovation and imagination. Thank you!
**images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
Real Art Detroit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Thank you!
FRIENDS OF DETROIT ART
Wayne County Community College Art Gallery
SHOWS OF INTEREST THIS WEEKEND
Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center
Samantha Woll Center the exhibition isn’t listed on this site but it’s there and worth the trip. Review coming next week!
For full gallery listings subscribe to Art Detroit Now