First Friday at PENTIMENTI: Waves Become Wings
Waves Become Wings
ERIK SPEHN
SEPTEMBER 8 - OCTOBER 24, 2026
First Friday | Gallery Walk
Friday, October 2 | 7 – 8 PM
"Waves Become Wings" presents the latest evolution in Spehn’s ongoing exploration of a distinct formal abstract visual language, loosely based on the grid and anchored in philosophy.
Operating within self-imposed compositional and procedural parameters, these works continue to examine notions that arise from the philosophical concept of "principium individuationis", as well as its dissolution, blurring the lines between field and figure, objectivity and subjectivity. Rigid Apollonian systems of order are juxtaposed against Dionysian gestural mark-making, acknowledging the inherent mercurial and chaotic nature of paint itself, and the architecture necessary to constrain it.
Further reinforcing these seemingly dichotomous relationships, a concurrent and parallel line of inquiry investigates ideas of simulacra. Shaped panels are introduced and presented here side-by-side with their rectangular counterparts in pairs. Utilizing similar proportions, as well as the same reduced palettes, these "Doppelgänger" raise questions of authenticity, replication, and illusion, suggesting a perplexing ontological paradox.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
In Partnership with COLLECTIVE FUTURES
Friday, October 2 | 6:30 PM
An Invitation to Look Closer
Join artist Erik Spehn for a walkthrough and conversation exploring the work on view.
This event is free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or call +1 215.625.9990.
GALLERY HOURS: Tuesday – Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM; Saturday 12 - 5 PM or by appointment.
