Testing Grounds : Tyler Beard, Kim Dickey, Mary Ehrin,
Oliver Herring, William Lamson, John McEnroe, Erika Osborne,
Jim Sanborn, David Zimmer

Robischon Gallery is pleased to present “Testing Grounds,” featuring eight, distinctive artists whose works reflect an investigation into process and form relating to aspects of the natural world.  As an opportunity to assemble works both new and in review by emerging and well established artists, the exhibition brings together New York artists, Oliver Herring and William Lamson, Washington, D.C. artist, Jim Sanborn and Colorado artists Tyler Beard, Mary Ehrin, John McEnroe, Erika Osborne and David Zimmer. 

In “Testing Grounds,” unpredictable views of nature are revealed - born from a stance of direct connection or in ways abstract.  A range of considerations of image-making come into play - discovering in variation, acts of reproduction/representation; deconstruction/reconstruction; the real and the illusory. As each artist explores the subject through their unique practice, their observations are made manifest in a myriad of forms.  Within the vocabulary of Lamson, Sanborn and Osborne, an essential combination of approach begins in the field with a kind of performance - from light projections to painting to elaborate actions - ultimately presented to the viewer through the lens of the camera.  Artists Beard, Ehrin, Herring, McEnroe and Zimmer direct their expressions not only with an uncommon sculptural sensibility, but in ways ranging in scale and position from the formal to those which offer an intimate view.  With keen intent to elevate the pedestrian, the conceptual territory travelled by each of the artists in “Testing Grounds” are presented with an eye toward the experimental and the contemplative; inviting a glimpse into a much larger world.