INDUSTRIAL HEAVEN

In his book, Wabi-Sabi: Further Thoughts, Leonard Koren wrote, “The beauty of Wabi-Sabi involves perceiving something extraordinary in something that might otherwise be regarded as quite ordinary, undistinguished, or barely there.” With this philosophy in mind, Franklin Ayzenberg conceived the exhibition “Industrial Heaven”. By inviting three artists who utilize unusual mediums to create functional and decorative sculptures, Ayzenberg produces an environment that allows the visitor to discover the improbable beauty of industrial materials. For “Industrial Heaven”, Wendy Andreu, a Parisian artist, and trained metal craftswoman, provides two aluminum pyramids, made in collaboration with artist Bram Vanderbeke, along with a pigmented concrete shelf, resulting in a triumph of both thoughtful design and functionality. Bruno Hugounenq is an Arles-based artist who has mastered the Renaissance technique of faux- marble, commonly known as scagliola. Hugounenq uses plaster, natural pigment, and bone glue to create functional sculptures and arresting decorative objects. His work offers smooth spheres, organic shapes, color, and reflection - juxtaposing but complimenting the hard, aluminum edges and textural cement in Andreu’s work.