BLAKE WARD - "Inner Perceptions, Outer Reflections" - HILTON

Canadian Sculptor Blake Ward

Makes Chicago Debut

“Inner Perceptions, Outer Reflections”

Exhibition opening April 7, 2016

Sponsored by

Promotional Support from the
CONSULATE GENERAL OF CANADA

Hilton | Asmus Contemporary presents “Inner Perceptions, Outer Reflections” a solo exhibition by Canadian sculptor Blake Ward Thursday, April 7 through Thursday, May 12. Opening reception: Thursday, April 7, 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm. Gallery Hours, Tuesday - Saturday 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm. 716 N. Wells Street, Chicago, 60654.

Blake Ward’s new works from his Spirits Collection illustrate his contemporary approach to figurative sculpture with a contrarian break from formal academicism. Ward challenges the classical figure by exposing the interior evoking a dialogue between our internal and external selves.
While building on the techniques of figurative sculpture lost in antiquity, the 59-year-old Ward remains true to their representational qualities, yet his Spirit Collection is a transgression of the rules, crossing over into the abstract and ethereal realms of our inner worlds. Ward’s 1/4 life-size, partial figures materialize before us. Both seductive and tragic, their perfect proportions reflect the hidden perspectives of our human condition. The textured exterior surface alludes to the complexity of our individuality. The open, exposed interior elicits introspection. Holding fast to his love of the human figure, Ward leads us toward self-discovery.

Ward received his Fine Arts Degree from the University of Alberta in 1979 and went on to study classical figurative sculpture in Paris until 1989, when he moved to his current studio in Monte Carlo. When he was invited to teach at the University of Hanoi in 2003, Ward began a journey combining art and activism. His work evolved a bold socio-political voice calling out to our humanitarian dreams of justice, truth, and equality and he has been a positive force raising funds and awareness for the eradication of landmines. Ward’s work has shown in Monaco, England, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong, Delhi, The United States, and Canada.

Blake Ward exhibits across Canada and internationally and has many public installations in the principality of Monaco, where he currently resides including in Princess Grace’s Rose Garden. His work is also in the private collections of Prince Albert of Monaco, Herb Alpert, Gerry Moss among others.