Don Suggs: One Man Group Show at Otis’s Ben Maltz Gallery April 14-June 23 (9045 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90045)
To my knowledge Don has not had a solo exhibition in Los Angeles since I’ve lived here (1999). I’ve seen a few works in group shows and at his gallery (LA Louver, where he is having a solo presentations in May–link and info below). I was a student of Don Suggs while at UCLA, and I don’t recall Don ever relating his work to what I was doing as a student. He would tell me of other artists and explain methods and materials with a great amount of knowledge that was useful to what I was trying to do. So because of my ignorance of his work and his practical art schlorship, this chance to see what he has done was of great interest to me.
The show surveys Don’s work over the last 35 years, according to the website, though someone mentioned that one of the pieces dates from 1969 (38 years?). Walking through this with friends what struck us was how the works in their component parts related to other artists’ works, sometimes following sometimes pre-dating, and how truly divergent the work really is. Beyond a genuine exploration it is difficult to see what any given body of work has in common with the next as the title suggests. There may be a cataloging of methods and content, not unlike Richter. That something is being indexed and created at the same time. What is apparent is that he has allowed himself to go where the work has taken him without being bound to what has come before and hopefully has enjoyed the rewards of doing so. This show doesn’t contain every medium imaginable but it comes close. I realize I have not described the work, and I will not try. I can only say it should be seen.
very soon…
Don Suggs
Concentric
LA Louver
45 North Venice Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
17 May – 16 June
reception Saturday May 19th 6-8 pm