“First Mark,” Peter Nadin’s first exhibition in the United States since 1992, opened at Gavin Brown’s enterprise on June 29.
Nadin has been known for giving form to consciousness, and recently his paintings have shifted from trying to represent the objects of consciousness, to showing the process of consciousness itself. The impetus behind the shift was Nadin’s studio relocation to Cornwallville, NY, where he began to farm. The sensory experiences motivated the artist to use materials from the farm, such as honey, bee propolis, chicken eggs, and elderberries, to create marks on linen. The natural materials allow Nadin to address crucial issues—the dire ecological, for example, in a simple and natural manner.
In addition to the exhibition, a catalogue published by Charta entitled Peter Nadin: First Mark is available, as well as a newspaper, The Bugle. The newspaper was conceived specifically for the exhibition and features a myriad of texts from historical and contemporary artists, poets, and scientists. The Bugle was edited by Jason Farago and includes contributions from Glenn O’Brien, R.L. Beyfuss, Christine Muhlke, April Bloomfield, and Andrew McCarron amongst others.
As the exhibition and Nadin incorporate an element of agriculture, the Bootleg Buying Club of the Old Field Farm in Cornwallville will operate out of Gavin Brown’s enterprise, selling produce not readily available in retail outlets. After the exhibition, the Club will move to 88 Grove Street in the West Village. More information about the Bootleg Buying Club can be found in The Bugle.
All photos by Danielle Dobies.