Eric Ben-Kiki Guest Curates Silvermine Guild Group Show

From Silvermine Galleries: In its year-end exhibit of 2017, the Silvermine Galleries will present a Guild Group Show guest curated by Eric Ben-Kiki, whose contemporary art gallery in downtown Hartford is creating a new model for presenting artists to the public. Ben-Kiki brings his curatorial eye to the wide-ranging work of the Silvermine Guild of Artists. The exhibition runs from November 26 through December 22, with an opening reception on December 3, 2-4pm. The reception is free and open to all. An Artist Talk will take place on Tues., Dec. 12 at 6pm in the gallery. Accompanying the Guild Group Show will be an extended Holiday Gift Shop offering art and fine crafts in diverse media.

Speaking about his selections for the Guild Group exhibition, Eric Ben-Kiki said he thinks about “the presence each piece commands. I juggle multiple ideas to apply when I view a wide spectrum of artwork. I think about the poetic voice of a piece, the crafting of it, the idea driving it, layers of perception in play. And also, very, very important, is keeping in mind that there is a viewing public that will see though eyes other than mine. For me, the type of artwork doesn’t pre-determine any decisions of choice, because the caliber of work will ultimately be what presents itself. One of the most rewarding experiences curating and choosing artwork for exhibits are those moments of discovery. There were many here at Silvermine.”

The exhibition includes work by dozens of Guild members across all disciplines. Among Ben-Kiki’s selections are Scott Richter’s abstract painting, which is a nuanced political statement from his Trump series; and altered book art from Chris Perry, who in Ben-Kiki’s words, “uses materials the way a painter uses colors.” Zeb Mayer merges lush pattern and color, Dmitri Wright expands his territory, and Pam Ackley offers her inimitable take on the portrait and the still life.

Before opening his EBK Gallery in Hartford, Eric Ben-Kiki designed and installed exhibits for the Wadsworth Atheneum and the University of Hartford’s Joseloff Gallery, and also managed Trinity College’s art collection. Since 1998 he has been owner of EBK Framing and Art Services specializing in all aspects of art presentation such as museum framing, lighting, restoration and exhibition design. His clients include businesses, museums, non-profits and private collections in Connecticut. Over the last twenty-five years Eric has consistently curated and produced exhibits showcasing regional and national artists, which led to his founding of the EBK Gallery. At EBK, he specializes in curating and presenting small and focused one- person exhibits, which are all viewable at https://www.ebkgallery.com. He serves as a board member of the Hartford Art School and an Advisory Board Member of the Connecticut Forum, and is, in his own words, “pretty much a lifelong hardwired optimist.”

Image Courtesy of Silvermine Galleries