Impossibly Real meets absolutely gorgeous
From the moment I learned it was in the works, my anticipation to go and see the new William Campbell Gallery has been building, but once I heard that their current exhibit would be “Painting Reality” by Peter Maier, the excitement escalated dramatically. I am happy to report that, having attended the show over the weekend, that the reality actually exceeded my expectations. The venue is stunning, and the art inside was just…well, you’ll just have to go and see for yourself, but I’ll do my best to describe it.
Suffice it to say, the event was an incredible dual experience. When you arrive at the new gallery space, you must first navigate through a set of grand, contemporary iron gates, then you enter a massive, open space that is presently adorned with Peter Maier’s art. Beyond the entry, there is a walkway to another enormous room where dozens of people were gathered, mingling and taking in the art, including the artist himself.
I wandered around and inspected all of the pieces. At first glance, you immediately think they’re photographs, which is why so many people refer to Mr. Maier’s work as “Impossibly Real.” Interestingly, there was a video playing on one of the walls that showed his process, almost as an offering of proof that these were paintings, and not photography.
Peter describes his method and technique as “loose and unorthodox.” Despite their obvious photographic quality, he does not think of his work as PhotoRealism. This is due to the fact that his paintings are composed of abstract elements (non-objective in certain areas, surreal in others), and are ‘combined with a unique layering process to produce what appears to be a real image, yet is totally abstract in its process, techniques and execution.’
The range of subject matter in the pieces on display were vast. There’s an Easy Rider motorcycle, skulls, and Willie Nelson over here. A rabbit, a monkey, and a stallion adorn the walls over there. Then, there’s my personal favorite, a baby chick. His artistic talent and ability were never in doubt, but it turns out that Mr. Maier is a gentleman, as well. With a room full of people, he somehow managed to engage with everyone as if they were the only ones in the room, and from the kindness with which he shook my hand to the time he spent talking with me about his work, I never felt compelled to rush and move along. I asked him about the little fluffy chickadee, hung among all of the masculine images. He said, “that painting was from an image of a 1-hour old baby chick.” He goes on to tell me how surprised he is that he’s heard so many people mention it being one of their favorites.
When I compliment him and his abundance of talent, I was surprised (and a little amused) to see how gracious and genuinely flattered he was. I asked him if he has any ties to Texas, and he looked at me with a twinkle in his eye and said, “My wife is from San Antonio!”
CHICK II - 78" x 60", Axalta Cromax AT on Aluminum
With my spontaneous artist interview complete, I returned to the splendor of the new William Campbell Gallery itself. It really is a wonder. I’ve attended and exhibited in galleries all over the United States, from the well-established to the ones that look like they just barely got a coat of paint on the walls before the doors open. I’ve purchased art from venues that offer you a glass of champagne, and I’ve bought art from the humblest of pop-ups.
This space has the feel of New York and the pulse of Los Angeles, but maintains the warmth and hospitality of Texas. No, not just Texas, but Fort Worth, TX. I was so proud to be standing in such a magnificent gallery in my city. A special round of applause is due for the COO, Peeler Howell, and his team, who have clearly put their heart and soul into this new venture!
This new William Campbell Gallery is an upscale space that has set a high bar for those that will certainly want to follow their lead, and I hope it will last at least as long as the original. Peter Maier’s gorgeous work is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before and the pairing of his art with this space is an absolutely perfect fit.
EQUUS BLANCO REAL - 75" x 75", Axalta Cromax AT on Aluminum
WINNERS AND LOSERS - 90" x 60", Axalta Cromax AT on Aluminum
NEVERMORE - 90" x 60", Hand crafted 24k Gold Leaf Lettering, Axalta Cromax AT on Aluminum
PEEPS - Axalta Cromax AT on Aluminum
“Painting Reality” Solo Exhibition is on view July 9, 2022 at William Campbell Gallery, Foch Street Location
Article & Photos: Mouty Shackelford
