Duality

To view this exhibition online, please click here.

The Laffer Gallery is proud to announce its upcoming exhibition, Duality, which will spotlight the captivating works of sculptor Noah Savett and abstract painter Zack Lobdell. The exhibition, opening November 2, 2024, explores the intersection of these two artistic disciplines, offering a compelling dialogue between Savett’s intricate, metal-based sculptures and Lobdell’s layered, surrealist paintings. Duality reflects the tension and harmony of opposing forces, drawing on both the tangible and the ephemeral, the structured and the abstract, in a visual conversation that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally resonant.

Noah Savett’s sculptural works are a study in paradox. Known for transforming the cold rigidity of steel into fluid, organic forms, Savett draws inspiration from the inherent qualities of his materials. His sculptures possess a strange beauty, often incorporating whimsical elements that contrast with their industrial strength. Savett’s artistic process is deeply methodical, the result of hundreds of sketches and extensive planning, yet his pieces retain a playful, almost spontaneous energy. His ability to manipulate steel to appear simultaneously permanent and plastic speaks to the tension between creation and destruction—a perfect embodiment of the duality that underpins this exhibition.

In contrast, Zack Lobdell’s paintings are bold, abstract explorations that radiate an intense energy with a purposeful nod to the urban street art of the late 20th century. His expansive canvases seem to vibrate with a sense of urgency, blending fluid, expressive strokes with sharp, deliberate markings. Layers of vibrant colors are punctuated by cryptic symbols and forms that evoke a language of their own, inviting the viewer to decipher their meaning. Initially trained in Photorealism, Lobdell’s transition to abstraction has allowed him to break free from the constraints of representation, resulting in compositions that feel both spontaneous and intricately structured. His work balances the tension between chaos and order, with energetic brushstrokes tempered by careful attention to detail. In Lobdell’s pieces, the collision of raw emotion and disciplined technique mirrors the complex dualities of life—hope intertwined with anxiety, and beauty emerging from the unpredictable.

Together, these two artists embody the essence of Duality. Savett’s work represents the physical, the structured, and the intentional, while Lobdell’s practice embraces the metaphysical, the unrestrained, and the unpredictable. Yet both artists share a deep commitment to exploring the complexities of their respective mediums and to pushing the boundaries of their artistic expression. Through this shared pursuit, Duality emerges as a rich exploration of contrasts—of form and material, of emotion and intellect, of the known and the unknown.

Join us at The Laffer Gallery for an opening reception on November 2, 2024 at 5:00pm for Duality, a thought-provoking exhibition that challenges us to consider the balance between opposing forces, not only in art but in life itself.

For more information, please contact The Laffer Gallery at [email protected], (518) 695-3181 or by stopping by in person.

About The Laffer Gallery:
Located in the heart of Schuylerville, NY, The Laffer Gallery is dedicated to supporting and promoting the arts in Upstate New York. The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions featuring both emerging and established artists, fostering a vibrant cultural dialogue within the community.