EDUCATION:
1981 MFA, University of Wisconsin,
Madison, WI
1976 BA, University of Wisconsin,
Madison, WI
SOLO EXHIBITIONS:
2011 "New Drawings", Koplin Del Rio Gallery, Culver City CA
2009 Print Works Gallery, Chicago IL
2008 “New Drawings”, Koplin Del Rio Gallery Culver City, CA
“Robert Schultz”, Drawings 1990-2007, Chazen Museum of Art, Madison WI
2006 “New Drawings”, Printworks, Chicago, IL
2005 “New Drawings”, Koplin Del Rio Gallery, Los Angeles CA
2004 Printworks Gallery, Chicago, IL
2003 Grace Chosy Gallery, Madison, WI
March 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Robert Schultz: New Drawings
April 16 – May 28, 2011
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 16, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Artist Remarks: 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10:00am - 5:30pm, Saturday: 11:00am - 5:30pm
Public Contact: 310-836-9055
Koplin Del Rio Gallery is pleased to announce its seventh exhibition of new work by Wisconsin based artist, Robert Schultz. Solely a draftsman, the figure continues to be the main compositional focus for Schultz in this new group of drawings.
His father a gymnast and grandfather a circus acrobat, Robert Schultz’ interest in the physical form is surely tied to his ancestral lineage. An avid proponent of exercise and athleticism, Schultz keeps regular gym hours working around his daily studio schedule. His fascination with the body as an instrument is evident in his approach to the figure, often nude and clearly focused on muscle, tendon, arch and flex. To Schultz, the body in and of itself is a work of art; his drawings serve to expose that intrinsic beauty. Employing the same models over many years, Schultz has the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of their physicality. In an austere setting with minimal props, each drawing is homage to the human form, both in its imperfection and transcendence.
Known for his deliberate and exacting precision, Schultz pays painstaking attention to every composition detail, both overall and in the minutia of each fold of skin, hair, shadow, highlight and pattern. In Schultz’ most recent body of work, the artist pushes himself even further to explore the very fabric of the details themselves reaching a near abstract view of his subject - the figure falls away leaving a maze of texture, light and line to explore. The result is artwork that astonishes both for its technical skill and for the evocative narrative it presents, stripped down to its barest elements of emotion and line. Working from live models with whom the artist has established a deep connection, the compelling humanity of each subject is wholly on display and lies in contrast to Schultz’ quiet execution.
Robert Schultz received his B.A and M.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin. Schultz is included in several public collections including the Art Institute of Chicago and The Arkansas Art Center.
For further information or photos, please contact the gallery at (310) 836-9055