Making Space for Creativity: Compo’s New Studio
Hello again, it's Rachel, sharing updates on all things happening in and around the Compo Arts studio!
In this month’s digest you will find more exclusive content around Compo's expanding practice and exciting upcoming exhibitions.
For starters, we have a very exciting update to share, he has a brand new studio space!
When he began his path as a professional painter he found solace in The Music Building on 8th Avenue where he rented a studio. Founded in 1979, The Music Building is the largest music rehearsal facility in Manhattan and notable musicians such as Madonna, Interpol, Billy Idol, and Joey Ramone have all been tenants. Though at first the space offered him an artistic haven, as production ramped up it soon became overcrowded with new work.
Compo decided to look around for a new space that would allow him to grow, eventually finding a sunny top floor suite nearby. Unlike his last studio, the room is drenched in natural light and lined with city views. Now, his paintings and practice take on a fresh energy invigorated by the breath of light in his new space.
As he's settled into his new space, he’s reflected on how the move has impacted his work. For one, he can now work on several pieces at once and move them between being hung as opposed to being laid flat. Seamlessly transitioning between works, he builds continuity and finds inspiration in this freedom to explore materiality and gesture.
Watching the constant motion and action in Compo’s studio made me curious about other artists who move their work around to explore the potentials of different media. Unsurprisingly the first artist to come to mind when thinking about “action painting” is Jackson Pollock. In a Life article from 2020 the publication released these “rare early photos of the action painter at work”.
These photos are interesting as Pollock’s focus appears to be centered not on the painting he’s creating, but rather the actual paint itself. Squatting on the floor with sprawled canvas underneath him, he experiments with the markings left behind by the freely dripping paint, a technique made possible by the ample floor room he appears to have in his studio. This made me curious about how the physical freedoms or rather, limitations of an artist’s studio impact their practice. What would pollock do if could only work on a wall?
More Musings…
Parker Arts The West Through A New Lens
For this exhibition, Parker Arts was looking for artists breaking with tradition to confront myths of the West and tell stories through different lenses, seeking artists who are exploring Western tropes in new and inventive ways. Compo’s “Who Is That Masked Man” was accepted to the show, a painting that gives a glimpse into the state of the West during the peak of the pandemic.
Abstract National Exhibition at Mark Arts
Charles' painting, "A Cardinal Visits The Real People" has been accepted to the Abstract National Exhibition at the Gladys and Karl T. Wiedemann Gallery, hosted by Mark Arts. The opening reception will be held on January 5th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, including remarks from the juror.
The Center For Contemporary Art
2024 International Juried Exhibition
Compo’s “Who Is That Masked Man?” was also accepted to The Center for Contemporary Art’s 2024 International Juried Exhibition by juror Hunter O’Hanian. The CCA received over 900 entries from 311 artists from across the United States and Canada, China, Israel, and Italy. In the end just 50 pieces were selected for the exhibition, Compo’s being one of them.
Abington Art Center Annual Juried Exhibition
Compo’s painting There’s A Shooter Down at The School was selected for Abington Art Center’s 2024 Annual Juried Show. The theme of this year’s juried exhibition is named “Feeling Blue: Navigating Challenges Through Art” which considers art as a tool for healing. The show will run through April 15th 2024.
Monochrome Explored at Site: Brooklyn Gallery
Three works: "The Followers", "I,ve Got The World On A String", and "There's One In Every Crowd" were accepted to Site: Brooklyn Gallery's Monochrome Explored online exhibition running from March 15, 2024 - April 15, 2024. The exhibition is juried by Tess Thackara, a culture writer who's written for The New York Times, T Magazine, The FT, Artsy, The Art Newspaper, King Kong, Art Practical, BOMBlog, The White Review, SFMOMA Open Space, and Vulture.
See the online exhibition here:
https://www.sitebrooklyn.com/monochrome-explored
And that’s a wrap! Thanks for tuning in to this month’s edition of the Compo Arts newsletter. I hope you’ve enjoyed it. I can't wait to share more of Compo’s journey in the next installment. Be sure to check out Compo’s instagram @compoarts to stay in the loop!
Warm wishes,
Rachel Mondshine
Advisor and Assistant to Compo
