BARBARA HIRSCH: ALL AFLUTTER

Madelyn Jordon Fine Art is pleased to present ALL AFLUTTER, a solo exhibition of sculptural paintings by American artist BARBARA HIRSCH. This is Hirsch’s first exhibition with the gallery and in New York and will be on view from October 26, 2018 - January 19, 2019. There will be an opening reception on Friday, October 26th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and the artist will be present. The public is invited.

All Aflutter features twelve works, varying in size, all completed in the past year. Inspired by the seasonal changes surrounding her adopted home of Aspen, CO., Barbara Hirsch creates dimensional narratives of color and composition in encaustic infused with oil. Encaustic is the ancient medium of beeswax, resin and pigment, applied while molten. Hirsch, an innovative master of the medium, manipulates wax, rice paper, and found objects into exacting abstract, monochromatic wall works.

Hirsch’s time-consuming art practice is best described as medium-centric and process-oriented. In working with the fragility of paper, the artist allows for amorphous shapes and forms to emerge as she folds, configures, and shapes the paper in unusual directions. Adhering each paper form onto a wood panel after coating with wax, Hirsch systematically constructs a uniform, dense, highly tactile and sensuous surface. Mainly monochromatic in color, from deep red to white, to black, the works sometimes appear delicate, light, and calming while others are heavy and commanding.

Winter #5 offers a new direction for Hirsch in the use of color. This nature-based, two-tone composition features abstracted floral-like formations distilled in soft, pastel hues with pearl white beads distributed throughout. The translucent petals allow for natural light to filter through, expressing a mysterious yet tranquil quality that is inherent in our natural world.

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Hirsch studied with renowned Alabama artist Maralyn Wilson, and holds a BFA from The Ohio State University. She was awarded Best in Show in 1971 and 1972 at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Since 1973, after her work premiered to a sold-out show, Hirsch's career focused on commissioned art. In 2012, Barbara was selected as one of the Southeast’s best emerging artists in the prestigious Energen Art Show in Birmingham. Hirsch recently relocated to Aspen, CO., and has exhibited her work at Taylor Daine Goulet Gallery and the St. Regis Hotel. Her work is held in private collections throughout the United States and abroad.