Laura Gramzow’s first solo show, appearing at the Upstairs Gallery in the Watergate Theatre, officially opened yesterday afternoon, running alongside Kilkenny Arts Festival and continuing in the gallery space until 3 September.
Originally from the US and now resident in Ireland courtesy of meeting an Irishman, I had Laura on the show earlier in the week ahead of the opening. I didn’t get to catch her in person yesterday, but did get to catch some of her work, which takes a different approach to the usual appearance of the Upstairs Gallery.
Read on for the full blurb on the exhibition…
Laura Gramzow’s work aims to present the various elements (images, words, colours, objects) of its’ final pieces in a pictorial way. Intentionality is not her aspiration. Laura’s studio space is filled with collages and maquettes that she refers to as she moves onto the canvas/ assemblages, adding and subtracting till she gets to the point where she thinks the piece has its’ own personality with a few qualities that are related to her, but which ultimately stand alone. Many of Laura’s larger paintings interact with sculptural creations and ready-made objects. She has an unabashed love for the medium of oil paint and finds deep satisfaction in the act of painting. Recently, Laura returned to an old flirt, the print studio. Here she indulges the more circumspect / sagacious side to her practice, resulting in delicate, pictorial prints.
Laura has shown her work in various group shows in the United States and Ireland. She was recently awarded a bursary from Louth County Council and The Tyrone Guthrie Bursary. She has work in private collections in America, Italy, Greece and Ireland. Laura is a founding member of The Print Point, print studio in Drogheda.
Laura Gramzow received her Honours BFA from The Corcoran College of Art and Design, Washington D.C. She has also studied at Pyramid Atlantic, Maryland, Studio Art Centres International, Florence and The Crawford College of Art and Design, Cork. She was born in Fort Campbell Kentucky and has lived in many different parts of The United States and Europe. Laura currently resides in Drogheda, Ireland.
Laura’s solo show at the Upstairs Gallery, Watergate Theatre, Parliament Street Kilkenny, will open for previews on Friday August 9th, and officially launch with a wine and beer reception at 3pm on August 10th. All are welcome, to join in celebration and appreciation of the first showing of a new series of artworks by the artist. The exhibition will run until September 3rd, and is open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 2pm-6pm.
