Opening Reception Thursday for John Gosling's 'Printed Art: The Potomac'

Image of “It’s All a Facade,” by John Gosling, courtesy of The Art League

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In “Printed Art: The Potomac,” on display at The Art League Gallery May 7–June 1, John Gosling’s linocut relief prints illustrate the “Nation’s River,” past and present, according to a news release from The Art League. Working within the constraints of the medium, the images become simplified, almost abstracted vignettes of people and places that line the Potomac, according to the release. Here’s more about the exhibit from the release:

This series stems from Gosling’s interest in rivers as gateways into the country, the early settlements along the Potomac River, and the way in which the choice of Washington as the Capital changed those communities.

Gosling’s background as an architect and urban planner influences his pictorial language: he makes numerous sketches to plan each linocut (a process by which the surface of the linoleum block is carved away to create areas of light and dark when inked and printed), and uses variable perspectives to illustrate the three dimensions of the scene. Form­­­—more than color or shading—is his chosen tool for communication.

Gosling also sees connections between the Potomac and the River Thames, the lifeline for his native London. Both have witnessed the ebb and flow of ever-changing commerce and industry, and are embedded in the complex tapestry of the evolving history and politics of entire nations.

Gosling was born in London and trained as an architect at the Architectural Association School of Architecture and Central Saint Martin’s School of Art. After moving to the US, Gosling had a career as an architect and urban planner specializing in urban revitalization. More recently he has continued his studies at Central Saint Martin’s School and with Discover Graphics Atelier. In addition to being a member of The Art League, he is also a member of Printmakers Inc., a workshop and gallery space on the third floor the Torpedo Factory.

Exhibition Dates: May 7–June 1, 2015
Opening Reception and Meet the Artist: Thursday, May 14, 2015, 6:30-8 pm

Location:
105 North Union Street
Studio 21
(located in the Torpedo Factory Art Center)
Alexandria, VA 22314