When last we visited Kate Werble Gallery for one of sculptor Christopher Chiappa’s immersive exhibits, the place was covered wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling with Fried Eggs, and that was a good time. For his fourth exhibition at the gallery, Chiappa has installed in its front and back rooms two collections of what, on first glance, appear to be brightly colored, painted wooden tables. On closer examination, however, the at once familiar table shapes of Chiappa’s sculptures transmute and metamorphose into increasingly whimsical and delightful forms as you progress through the galleries. It’s a hoot. Continue reading Christopher Chiappa’s Compositions at Kate Werble Gallery→
For his third solo show at Kate Werble Gallery, artist Christopher Chiappa presented a new body of work in its entirety; a series of 7,000 handmade fried egg sculptures that completely invaded the gallery’s two rooms, and every nook and cranny in between. Entitled Livestrong, after cyclist Lance Armstrong’s bright yellow, rubber slogan-bracelet campaign, the show was both visually delightful and a bit overwhelming to experience.
Chiappa created the eggs in his studio over a period of five years from cast, poured, sanded and painted plaster. Each egg has a slightly toasted edge and a glossy sheen — like the perfectly prepared, over easy egg.
Installation as Seen from the Street
The attention to detail given to the installation of the eggs was absolutely meticulous. They are just everywhere.
And when I say the eggs were everywhere, I mean all over. Here they are on, around and dripping off of the reception desk.
They’re coming to get you!
This grouping reminds me of Santa Claus!
Here they are creeping into the office pantry.
And moving around the corner.
Up high on the gallery’s pristine white walls.
Dripping from the ceiling and light fixtures.
Unbelievable. It was fun to spot them!
They had a mind of their own!
This woman was actually scolded for stepping too far into this room, where access was restricted, and with good reason. I heard one of the gallerists mention that they were doing their best to stay vigilant at keeping folks from stepping on the eggs as they walked through the gallery rooms, in order to keep each egg in as pristine condition as possible, as the exhibit is moving on to another location after it closed at Kate Werble on Saturday (January 9th). Check out Christopher Chiappa’s website at This Link to find out where that location might be.
Kate Werble Gallery is Located at 83 Vandam Street in NYC.
