Elena Pankova
Peripheral Vision, Sep 8 – Oct 8, 2006

peripheral vision

periphery not merely understood as referring to the outside and separate but as decentered and unfocused. a decentered vision from within, from differing planes of apprehension. an absentifying documentation with a lack of self-identification sits against reflexive scenes of pure presence. both nihilist and sentimental the straight unwavering with steady direction coexists aside the nomadic, wandering off. both are situated within, taking a stand, with a tenuous relationship to the surrounding but feigning an assumed sense of comfort. being inside but not of, with the self assertion of an unstable sense of returns.

Peripheral Vision is the first solo show by the Russian born and Brooklyn based painter Elena Pankova. Pankova will create an informational display consisting of a temporary wall bisecting the gallery. One side of the wall will display a group of paintings that are based on digital snapshots that the artist took of passing pedestrians while taking cigarette breaks during a recent stint working at an office on 57th street in Manhattan. Painted in a loose, quasi-detached style they are indifferent to the point of mayhem, totally fitting for the ennui and stewing resentment the subject matter evinces.

The flipside of the kiosk displays a series of abstract works. The paintings are done swiftly, in a fractured geometric style that is reminiscent of El Lizzitsky, Luibov Popova and Kasimir Malevich. The paintings confound, perplex and ultimately spur us toward our own minor internal rebellions.

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